The following text is about astronomy.
For centuries, scientists assumed the universe was static and eternal. This view changed dramatically in the 20th century with Edwin Hubble's discovery that galaxies are moving away from each other—the universe is expanding. Running this expansion backward suggests that all matter was once concentrated in an incredibly dense point, which exploded in what we call the Big Bang. Current estimates place this event about 13.8 billion years ago.
What does the text say about how our understanding of the universe changed?
From believing in an expanding universe to believing in a static one
From assuming a static universe to recognizing it began with the Big Bang
Scientists always understood the Big Bang theory
Hubble's discovery proved the universe is not moving
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the correct answer. The text describes the shift from "static and eternal" assumption to understanding expansion and the Big Bang origin.
- Evidence: From "static and eternal" to expanding universe and Big Bang.
- Reasoning: Hubble's discovery changed the fundamental view.
- Conclusion: Understanding shifted from static to dynamic origin.
Choice A is incorrect because this reverses the actual change. Choice C is incorrect because the understanding "changed dramatically." Choice D is incorrect because Hubble showed galaxies are moving apart.