Georges Lemaître (1894–1966) was a Belgian priest, astronomer, and professor of physics, best known for proposing the theory of the expansion of the universe, which later became known as the Big Bang theory. Born in Charleroi, Belgium, Lemaître combined his religious background with his scientific curiosity, earning degrees in engineering, mathematics, and theology. In 1927, he published a paper suggesting that the universe is expanding, based on Einstein’s theory of general relativity. Lemaître’s work laid the foundation for modern cosmology, and he was among the first to propose that the universe began from a “primeval atom” or “cosmic egg.”
Early Life and Education
Georges Henri Joseph Édouard Lemaître was born on July 17, 1894, in Charleroi, Belgium. He was the eldest of four children in a devoutly Catholic family. From a young age, Lemaître displayed a keen interest in science and mathematics, subjects he excelled in during his early education at the Jesuit College of Sacred Heart in Charleroi. His passion for science was matched by a deep faith, which would later shape his unique approach to cosmology.
After graduating from secondary school, Lemaître enrolled at the Catholic University of Leuven (Louvain), where he initially studied civil engineering. However, his studies were interrupted by World War I. Lemaître served as an artillery officer in the Belgian army, demonstrating bravery and resilience during the war. His experiences in the military, marked by both trauma and camaraderie, left a lasting impact on him.
Academic Pursuits and Priesthood
Following the war, Lemaître returned to Leuven, but he soon shifted his focus from engineering to mathematics and physics, fields that better suited his interests. In 1920, he earned a degree in mathematics and physics and then made a life-changing decision: he decided to enter the priesthood. Balancing his scientific and religious vocations, Lemaître enrolled at the seminary of Mechelen, where he studied theology while continuing his research in physics.
In 1923, Lemaître was ordained a priest. His dual commitment to science and faith set him apart in the academic community. Encouraged by his professors and mentors, Lemaître sought to further his studies in astronomy and cosmology. In 1924, he traveled to England to study at the University of Cambridge under Sir Arthur Eddington, a leading astrophysicist known for his work on general relativity and the interpretation of astronomical data.
Breakthrough in Cosmology
Lemaître’s time at Cambridge was highly productive. Under Eddington’s mentorship, he became well-versed in Einstein’s theory of general relativity and its implications for cosmology. In 1925, Lemaître moved to the United States to study at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he earned a PhD in physics in 1927. His doctoral thesis, “The gravitational field in a fluid sphere of uniform invariant density according to the theory of relativity,” demonstrated his deep understanding of relativity and set the stage for his future work.
Upon returning to Belgium, Lemaître published a paper in 1927 in the “Annales de la Société Scientifique de Bruxelles” titled “Un univers homogène de masse constante et de rayon croissant rendant compte de la vitesse radiale des nébuleuses extragalactiques” (“A homogeneous universe of constant mass and increasing radius accounting for the radial velocity of extragalactic nebulae”). In this paper, Lemaître proposed that the universe is expanding, a revolutionary idea at the time. He suggested that distant galaxies are moving away from us, with their speed proportional to their distance—a relationship later confirmed by Edwin Hubble and now known as Hubble’s Law.
Lemaître’s proposal was initially met with skepticism, partly because it was published in a relatively obscure journal. However, his ideas began to gain traction, particularly after a 1931 meeting with Einstein, who initially doubted Lemaître’s conclusions but later acknowledged the elegance of his theoretical framework.
The Primeval Atom
In 1931, Lemaître took his hypothesis a step further by proposing that the expansion of the universe could be traced back to a single point of origin, which he called the “primeval atom” or the “cosmic egg.” According to Lemaître, the universe began as a small, dense, and hot singularity, which then exploded and expanded, leading to the creation of all matter and energy. This idea was the precursor to what is now known as the Big Bang theory.
Lemaître’s primeval atom theory provided a scientific explanation for the origin of the universe that was consistent with both observational data and the principles of general relativity. It was a bold and innovative concept, one that challenged the prevailing steady-state model, which held that the universe was eternal and unchanging.
Despite initial resistance from some quarters of the scientific community, Lemaître’s theory gained support as more evidence emerged. The discovery of cosmic microwave background radiation in 1965 by Arno Penzias and Robert Wilson provided strong evidence for the Big Bang theory, validating Lemaître’s early work and cementing his legacy as a pioneering cosmologist.
Integration of Science and Faith
One of the most remarkable aspects of Lemaître’s career was his ability to integrate his scientific pursuits with his religious beliefs. He saw no conflict between faith and reason, viewing them as complementary paths to understanding the universe. Lemaître believed that scientific discoveries about the cosmos could enhance and deepen one’s appreciation of the divine.
Throughout his life, Lemaître remained a devout Catholic and an active member of the clergy. He served as a professor at the Catholic University of Leuven, where he taught physics and astronomy while continuing his research. Lemaître was also a key figure in the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, an organization that advises the Vatican on scientific matters. He was appointed to the academy by Pope Pius XI in 1936 and later became its president, a position he held from 1960 until his death in 1966.
Later Life and Legacy
Lemaître’s contributions to cosmology extended beyond the Big Bang theory. He also made significant advances in the study of cosmic rays and developed mathematical models to describe the expansion of the universe. His work influenced generations of scientists and helped to establish cosmology as a rigorous scientific discipline.
In his later years, Lemaître continued to explore new ideas and engage with the scientific community. He maintained a keen interest in developments in physics and astronomy, staying abreast of the latest research and contributing to academic discussions. Despite his many achievements, Lemaître remained humble and focused on the pursuit of knowledge.
Georges Lemaître passed away on June 20, 1966, in Leuven, Belgium. His death marked the end of a remarkable career that bridged the gap between science and religion, leaving an indelible mark on both fields. Lemaître’s legacy lives on in the countless scientists he inspired and in the enduring relevance of the Big Bang theory, which continues to shape our understanding of the universe.