In principle, if we could see all the way to the cosmological horizon we could see the Big Bang taking place. However, our view is blocked for times prior to about 380,000 years after the Big Bang. Why?
A)Before that time, the gas in the universe was dense and ionized and therefore did not allow light to travel freely.
B)Before that time, the universe was dark so there was no light to illuminate anything.
C)Before that time, the universe was too crowded with stars.
D)380,000 years after the Big Bang marks the time when stars were first born, and thus began to shine the light by which we can see the universe.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Before about 380,000 years after the Big Bang, the universe was filled with a dense and ionized gas which scattered photons, preventing light from traveling freely. This period is known as the Era of Recombination, and it was not until the gas cooled and neutral atoms formed that light could travel through the universe unimpeded. Therefore, our view is blocked for times prior to about 380,000 years after the Big Bang.

In Principle, If We Could See All the Way to the Cosmological