This week scientists realeased the news of evidence how the universe began. The theory explains that a fraction of a second (read 10-32s after the big bang) the universe rapidly expanded which we call the inflation. In this period quantum effects are still dominant so no real direct evidence to prove the theory. Indirectly however scientics could observe the afterglow using the Bicep2 observatory at the south pole. This afterglow is the cosmic microwave radiation (CMR) which could have all data when travelling through space. Observers found specific polarazation (B-Mode) of the CMR which can be explained from gravitazional waves. And these gravitazional waves are the first withnesses of our early universe.
This image provided by the BICEP2 Collaboration shows slight temperature fluctuations, indicated by variations in color, of the cosmic microwave background of a small patch of sky and the orientation of its polarization, shown as short black lines. Researchers say since the cosmic microwave background is a form of light, it exhibits all the properties of light, including polarization. The changes in a particular type of polarization, indicated here, are theorized to be caused by gravitational waves. These waves are signals of an extremely rapid inflation of the universe in its first moments. (AP Photo/BICEP2 Collaboration) -Ref. Phys.Org
If you want to read more see BICEP2 2014 News release website
