some people consider space to be round like a closed circle...?

Question

doesn't that contradict with the big bang theory as to space is expanding.

AJ, there is nothing in the big bang theory that contradicts with the bible. It could be how God created the universe.(Just a thought)

Answer 1

I think we, as humans with limited brain capacity, have to think of things in terms that we can understand. Instead of space being this infinite area, we put a shape to it, a circle.

My thought is that space truly goes on forever, and does not have a true shape.

Answer 2

the big bang did NOT create the universe. it only expanded and inflated it VERY quickly. Before the Big Bang, the universe existed as a singularity, a point or dot with no dimensions. the universe can be like a closed circle much like earth if the mass in the universe is at a critical point. If there is not enough mass then the universe will expand forever, and everything will be isolated from each other and stars will eventually burn out and everything will freeze. If the there is too much mass, then the universe will contract and collapse upon itself. But this is all theory. the logic of space and time on earth may not be the same as the rest of the universe.

Answer 3

No. I do not think that it contradicts the big bang theory. When you are talking about space, I hope you mean universe. There are theories that scientists have come up with that the universe could be one of many. Many universes? Think for a minute.. there are stars; those stars are in a galaxy. There are many galaxies in a universe. Then why not keep going and ponder about the possiblity of multiple universes? Although I am not going to go into the many theories of multiple universes and how they may or may not intersect, co-exist etc, but I will say this, scientists debate back and forth regarding the big bang theory and the infinite and finite qualities of the universe. Given the information that I have just provided about the possiblities of multiple universes, we can all ponder the possibilities of perhaps that the universe is finite and that just as galaxies are born (as are stars), move around, collide with each other, it is a possiblity that universes may do the same if the universe or space you call it is expanding. Think about it. In space, time is not the same as here on earth. Take that into consideration as you ponder the possibilities. There are several cosmology books you can refer to that I am sure you can find at your local library. Have fun!

Answer 4

The best description of space, or at least the one I liked the most, described it as a three dimensional Mobius strip. Basically, this theory would say that if we started at one end of the universe, and traveled in a single straight path, eventually we would come right back to where we started.
Now, If the univers is in fact expanding, we must see that, using this shaped universe theory, and factoring in gravitational pull, that everything will eventually end up back at the exact same spot. This bodes well for the big bang theory, but not overly so. Because while I like the symetry of this theory, I am pretty sure it was either debunked or discarded. I will happily research it more. But it does at least seem to make some sort of sense.

Answer 5

It's the matter in the universe they say is expanding. On a giant cosmological scale (einsteinian scales) space is thought to be more like a "doughnut" in shape. An object with infinite speed, and infinite time will eventually return to it's starting point. It's a unknowable theory though, cause infinity, by definition does'nt end. Our minds simply CANNOT comprehend the vastness of the universe.
Myself, I figure, the material universe is a sphere, with the diameter being, the same number in light years, as number of years since the "big bang." What's beyond that? it's anyone's guess. :-D Sure is neat to think about though.

Answer 6

I can see no problem with that logic, in fact I consider the universe to be one of many bubbles in a cosmic void so vast there is no way our little minds could wrap around it. This is another reason I do not subscribe to the concept of the Big Bang theory. Rather I would suggest that two of these bubbles one nearly empty and another very full merged and the errant matter from one spilled over into the other. It would take a very small passage between them to cause an explosive decompression of one into the other. Thus matter from one would begin to fill the other, over time the passage would close (as we live in a self correcting system) and the empty cell, or bubble would have matter of all ages in it.

Answer 7

Space is not expanding because the big bang theory is wrong. The big bang theory is that cosmic particals mixed in the nothingness and caused a explosion that accidentaly made the universe and if this theory was true where did the cosmic particles come from? I believe that Jesus created the earth. In this context meaning that he made it out of nothing. and if you ask where he came from well he didn't come from anywhere because he has no beginning or end while that seems like illogical thinking that's becaus no one wan comprehend this. Why not ask your local Christain (NOT Catholic or Lutherin) Pastor.

Answer 8

Einstein was able to prove that mass distorts space. Picture a beam of laser light going through the universe. It passes a piece of mass and space bends.
Picture this beam is further out than any thing else in the universe and paralleling the mass of the big bang. As it goes along, it bends and bends and bends until it makes a big loop.
It should be noted that some people believes that in spite of mass distorting space the universe is still closed.

Answer 9

Check out http://map.gsfc.nasa.gov/index.html. It is the homepage for NASA's Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe. The mission will measure the background radiation from the Big Bang with an accuracy never before achieved. This should give us our best look at the shape of the universe and its rate of expansion.

Answer 10

yes it is contradictory. space is just that, space. its completely amorphous. the circle theory probably evolved not only because many things in nature are found to follow some sort of spherical theory, but also because it doesn't sound very scientific 2 say "space is like a big blob" =)