Do you believe there is an end to the universe, and if so, what would be on the other side of it.?

Answer 1

There is nothing called the end of the Universe. There are three possibilities of the shape of the Universe.

First, the Universe might have what we call positive curvature like a sphere. In this case, the Universe is called "closed" and it has a finite size but without a boundary, just like a baloon. In a closed Universe, you could, in principle, fly a spaceship far enough in one direction and get back to where you started from.

The second possibility is that the Universe is flat. This kind of Universe can be imagined by cutting out a piece of a baloon material and stretching it with your hands. The surface of the material is flat and not curved. You can expand and contract it by tugging on either end. Flat Universes are infinite in extent and have no boundaries.

Finally, the Universe might be "open" or have negative curvature. Such Universes are also infinite in spatial extent and have no boundaries.

Thus whatever be the shape of the Universe, there is nothing called a boundary and hence nothing called the edge or end of the Universe.

Regarding the second question of expansion, remember that space exists only IN the Universe and there is no meaning to the term "outside the Universe". What happens in expansion is that the space itself is expanding. With respect to your room analogy, it is not that the walls of your room are pushing against something but that the space in the room is expanding; there is nothing to push against. Thus, when we talk of galaxies receding from us due to the expanion, it is not that the galaxies are moving, but the space in between us and the galaxies is expanding.

Answer 2

The best explanation I have ever heard is that, without any objects present, space is literally "nothing." It is only the distance between these objects - and the objects themselves give space a tangible meaning.

When the planets and stars expand outward, and they are expanding outward, they are literally creating space.

If the universe were infinite, with infinite stars and planets, the day and night sky would be infinitely bright - this is because no matter how far away or how dim the stars would be, there would be an infinite number of them emitting light.

And if the space is "nothing" until there are objects present, there can be no "other side" because "nothing" can easily be infinite, since "nothing" times infinity is still "nothing."

I say this is the best description I have ever heard because it allows me to take solace in not trying to figure out "what's on the other side" if it's not infinite. Like a lot of physic's paradoxes and quirks, it's not the easiest idea to conceptualize, but it's a heck of a lot better than the alternative theories.

I hope it puts your mind at ease.

Answer 3

If the universe turns out to be closed, there could be a big crunch someday. The other side could be a new big bang. However, current status of cosmological research indicates the universe is probably flat or open and will expand forever.

LeAnne's comments are solid, with slight exception to the poser of the night sky. E.A. Poe of all people first suggested the night sky wasn't white because the universe was too young for light from distant stars to have reached us yet. In addition, cosmological expansion Doppler shifts visible light to the infrared.

Answer 4

A dustpan, some Brillo pads, and a note indicating the custodian will be back at 12:30.

Answer 5

No. But if there was, the rest of your question makes no sense. There is no other side. It is the END.

(Or, that's where all the socks go that disappear from the wash.)

Answer 6

Although the universe is of finite size, it has no boundaries. There is no side, and thus the concept of "on the other side" is undefined.

Answer 7

I'm not sure but maybe a different type of universe or a realm of existance.

Answer 8

There's one last Starbucks,after that who knows!

Answer 9

It doesn't have an 'other' side. Only this one ☺


Doug