How would you best describe the shape of the universe?

Answer 1

There are three possibilities according to Einsteinian physics: open, closed, and flat. The closed universe is the balloon shaped one. The open is the saddle shaped one. The flat is the flat shaped one...duh.

When Einstein first did his famous equations, he came up with a constant, called the cosmological constant (W), in them. The value of that constant determines the shape of the universe. A closed Universe has W > 1, a flat Universe has W = 1 and an open Universe has W < 1. The constant, W, is defined as the ratio of total energy density divided by total energy density in a vacuum (empty space).

At first, Einstein rejected the notion of a flat, infinite universe; so he assigned W > 1, which results in the more familiar balloon shape that many, if not most, people associate with the shape of the universe. However, recent observations and thinking put W at or close to 1.0000; so astrophysicists are beginning to think the flat universe is more likely. To quote the cited reference:

"So right now the density of vacuum energy in our Universe is only about twice as large as the energy density from dark matter, with the contribution from visible baryonic matter almost negligible. The total adds up to a flat universe which should expand forever." [See source]

Brian Greene ("Elegant Universe" and "Fabric of the Cosmos") suggests multiple universes, lying in different dimensions "parallel" to our own universe like slices of bread in a loaf. A few astrophysicists and mathematicians even go so far as to suggest the big bang occurred when our universe collided with one of those others...which can account for all that mass-energy released by the BB.

Answer 2

I heard that the universe is spherical and made up of pentagon shapes, like a football. I don't know what is supposed to be pentagon shaped exactly but that was what I was told, and no, the person who told me wasn't having a laugh. Although they did say that this theory is dependent upon whether or not there is a single source of expansion and if the expansion rate is the same all the way around.

Answer 3

The universe is shaped like a giant donut. The donut is sitting on a tray in a display case in a giant super galactic Krispy Kreme store. The sprinkles on the donut are actually galaxies outside of our universe. Scientist speculate that the universe will end when it is eaten by a giant multi-galactic policeman.

Answer 4

The answer is: "We are not too sure!"
We know it is in expansion, but we do not know if it is finite or infinite.
The two current shapes accepted are "a closed universe", shaped like the skin of a ballon, slowly inflating, and "an open Universe", shaped in the form of a saddle (inside-out), a vision a little more difficult to perceive, but it is a mathematical shape.

Answer 5

The Universe is kind of shaped like the surface of a balloon. The universe being the 3D surface of a 4D sphere. It's hard to imagine, but get a balloon, fit our universe onto the surface of it, and that's our universe. Remember, only the surface of it is the universe, not the balloon itself.

Answer 6

I think the shape of the universe is like a HUGE marble. That means round. You know, with those black spots and everything. But I wish I would really know what shape it is.

Answer 7

Roughly spherical is my best guess..
I keep hearing 160 - 180 billion years "wide" though
I don't know why the word "wide" would be used to describe
the diameter of a sphere...

Answer 8

Elliptical.

Answer 9

An infinite thing has no shape.

Answer 10

like a balloon. a big beautiful party balloon