What Does WMAP Stand For?

WMAP stands for Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe

The Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) is a NASA spacecraft launched in 2001 to measure the cosmic microwave background radiation. By mapping the temperature fluctuations of this radiation across the sky, WMAP has provided critical insights into the age, composition, and evolution of the universe, supporting the Big Bang theory and improving our understanding of cosmic structure formation. Its findings have significantly advanced astrophysics and cosmology, offering a detailed view of the early universe's conditions.