Acoustic Oscillations

Acoustic oscillations are rhythmic, back-and-forth waves that occur in a medium, like air or another fluid, caused by periodic variations in pressure and density. Think of them as sound waves, which are caused when something vibrates, creating pressure changes that travel through the medium. In astronomy, these oscillations help us study the early universe by analyzing tiny fluctuations in the temperature and density of the cosmic microwave background, providing insights into the universe's composition and evolution. Essentially, they are natural, resonant vibrations that reveal important physical properties of the medium or system involved.