Anyone who could help me? What is the shape of the universe?

Question

I need links to specific sites. And also, I need the proposed shapes of the universe, how the shape will affect the behavior of the universe and other additional information. Thanks a bunch!

Answer 1

The shape of the universe is determined by the average density of matter within it, assuming that all matter is evenly distributed, rather than the distortions caused by 'dense' objects such as galaxies. This assumption is justified by the observations that, while the universe is "weakly" inhomogeneous and anisotropic (see the large-scale structure of the cosmos), it is on average homogeneous and isotropic.

Considerations of the geometry of the universe can be split into two parts; the local geometry relates to the observable universe, while the global geometry relates to the universe as a whole - including that which we can't measure.


Local geometry
The local geometry is the geometry describing the observable Universe. Many astronomical observations, such as those from supernovae and the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) radiation, show the observable Universe to be homogeneous and isotropic and infer it to be accelerating. In General Relativity, this is modelled by the Friedmann-Lemaître-Robertson-Walker (FLRW) model. This model, which can be represented by the Friedmann equations, provides a local geometry of the universe based on the mathematics of fluid dynamics, i.e. it models the matter within the universe as a perfect fluid. Although stars and structures of mass can be introduced into an "almost FLRW" model, a strictly FLRW model is used to approximate the local geometry of the observable Universe.


Spatial curvature
The homogeneous and isotropic Universe allows for a spatial geometry with a constant curvature. One aspect of local geometry to emerge from General Relativity and the FLRW model is that the density parameter, Omega (Ω), is related to the curvature of space. Omega is the average density of the universe divided by the critical energy density, i.e. that required for the universe to be flat (zero curvature). The curvature of space is a mathematical description of whether or not the Pythagorean theorem is valid for spatial coordinates. In the latter case, it provides an alternative formula for expressing local relationships between distances.

If the curvature is zero, then Omega is equal to one, and the Pythagorean theorem is correct. If Omega is greater than one, then there is positive curvature, and if it is less than one then there is negative curvature; in either of these cases, the Pythagorean theorem is invalid.

Astronomical measurements of both matter-energy density of the Universe and spacetime intervals using supernova events constrain the spatial curvature to be very close to zero, although they do not constrain its sign. This means that although the local geometries are generated by the theory of relativity based on spacetime intervals, we can approximate it to the familiar geometries of three spatial dimensions.


Local geometries
There are three categories for the possible spatial geometries of constant curvature, depending on the sign of the curvature. If the curvature is exactly zero, then the local geometry is flat; if it is positive, then the local geometry is spherical, and if it is negative than the local geometry is hyperbolic.


The local geometry of the Universe is determined by whether Omega is less than, equal to or greater than 1. From top to bottom: a spherical Universe, a hyperbolic Universe, and a flat Universe.If the observable Universe is spatially "nearly flat", then a simplification can be made whereby the dynamic, accelerating dimension of the geometry can be separated and omitted by invoking comoving coordinates. Comoving coordinates, from a single frame of reference, leave a static geometry of three spatial dimensions.

Of eight feasible geometries given by the geometrization conjecture, the curvature of the observable Universe, or the local geometry, is in all likelihood described by one of the three "primitive" geometries:

3-dimensional Euclidean geometry, generally annotated as E3
3-dimensional spherical geometry with a small curvature, often annotated as S3
3-dimensional hyperbolic geometry with a small curvature, often annotated as H3
Even if the Universe is not exactly spatially flat, the spatial curvature is close enough to zero to place the radius at approximately the horizon of the observable Universe or beyond.


Global geometry
Global geometry covers the geometry, in particular the topology, of the whole Universe - both the observable Universe and beyond. While the local geometry does not determine the global geometry completely, it does limit the possibilities, particularly a geometry of a constant curvature. For a flat spatial geometry, the scale of any properties of the topology is arbitrary and may or may not be directly detectable. For spherical and hyperbolic spatial geometries, the probability of detection of the topology by direct observation depends on the spatial curvature. Using the radius of curvature as a scale, a small curvature of the local geometry, with a corresponding scale greater than the observable horizon, makes the topology difficult to detect. A spherical geometry may well have a radius of curvature that can be detected. In a hyperbolic geometry the radius scale is unlikely to be within the observable horizon.

Two strongly overlapping investigations within the study of global geometry are:

whether the Universe is infinite in extent or is a compact space
whether the Universe has a simply or non-simply connected topology

Compactness of the global shape
A compact space is a general topological definition that encompasses the more applicable notion of a bounded metric space. In cosmological models, it requires either one or both of: the space has positive curvature (like a sphere), and/or it is "multiply connected", or more strictly non-simply connected.

If the 3-manifold of a spatial section of the Universe is compact then, as on a sphere, straight lines pointing in certain directions, when extended far enough in the same direction will reach the starting point and the space will have a definable "volume" or "scale". If the geometry of the Universe is not compact, then it is infinite in extent with infinite paths of constant direction that, generally do not return and the space has no definable volume, such as the Euclidean plane.

If the spatial geometry is spherical, the topology is compact. Otherwise, for a flat or a hyperbolic spatial geometry, the topology can be either compact or infinite.


Flat Universe
In a flat universe, all of the local curvature, local geometry and the global topology is flat. In general it can be described by Euclidian space, however there are some spatial geometries which are flat and bounded in one or more directions. These include, in two dimensions, the cylinder and the torus. Similar spaces in three dimensions also exist.


Spherical Universe
A positively curved universe is described by spherical geometry, and can be thought of as a three-dimensional hypersphere.

One of the endeavors in the analysis of data from the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) is to detect multiple "back-to-back" images of the distant Universe in the cosmic microwave background radiation. Assuming the light has enough time since its origin to travel around a bounded Universe, multiple images may be observed. While current results and analysis do not rule out a bounded topology, if the Universe is bounded then the spatial curvature is small, just as the spatial curvature of the surface of the Earth is small compared to a horizon of a thousand kilometers or so.

Based on analyses of the WMAP data, cosmologists during 2004-2006 focused on the Poincaré dodecahedral space (PDS), but also considered horn topologies to be compatible with the data.


Hyperbolic Universe
A hyperbolic universe (frequently but confusingly called "open") is described by hyperbolic geometry, and can be thought of as something like a three-dimensional equivalent of an infinitely extended saddle shape. For hyperbolic local geometry, many of the possible three-dimensional spaces are informally called horn topologies

Answer 2

The shape of the universe is determined by the average density of matter within it, assuming that all matter is evenly distributed, rather than the distortions caused by 'dense' objects such as galaxies.

Considerations of the geometry of the universe can be split into two parts:
1) the local geometry (relates to the observable universe)
2) the global geometry (relates to the universe as a whole - including that which we can't measure)

LOCAL GEOMETRY:
There are three categories for the possible spatial geometries of constant curvature, depending on the sign of the curvature. If the curvature is exactly zero, then the local geometry is flat; if it is positive, then the local geometry is spherical, and if it is negative than the local geometry is hyperbolic.

GLOBAL GEOMETRY:
The proposed Global geometry shapes are:
* Flat
* Spherical
* Hyperbolic

For details, head to Wikipedia (see sources)

Answer 3

How do you give the infinite a definitive shape?

So are are we determining the shape of "everything", or just our neighborhood as in "our" universe? Because "our" universe is shaped like a a dodecahedron, a 12-sided volume bounded by pentagons: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/10/1008_031008_finiteuniverse.html

I'm guessing we'll find a few different encapsulating shapes (like we found the shapes of our galaxy.) before we ever figure out where it really ends. My guess is we'll "Think" we found the edge of it, but it will just be a massive shape, like galaxies are massive shapes, and we'll have to give it a fancy name, but something will be past that. There's probably always going to be "something" past that. Try wrapping your brain around the idea of space filled with soccer balls. Then zooming out and seeing billions of soccer balls being inside a cube, sphere, or who knows what. Where will it ever end? It probably won't. Thats the cool part. :P

Answer 4

>>a million. curiously the Universe is increasing. no rely if that's increasing and not countless, does not that recommend that theoretically you should attain the "area" and previous of the Universe? What then? Limbo? Or is it merely void? yet void is area nevertheless. rely and capability can exist in area. If previous the Universe became merely void the Universe may be defined as how a strategies out rely is going.<< you're questioning is logical, yet regrettably uncomplicated good judgment does not paintings as quickly as we communicate approximately some valuable properties of the universe. The universe is declared to be 'isotropic' and 'homogenous.' in certainty what which ability is that no rely the place you're interior the universe, that place will examine out the middle of the universe. Earth looks on the middle via fact as quickly as we glance outward in all guidelines we see the universe increasing far off from us. in spite of the undeniable fact that, once you're on yet another planet a million-million mild years from Earth you will possibly see precisely the comparable ingredient. the key is that there is not any area to the universe. >>what's increasing interior the Universe. Is it merely rely flinging outward?<< First you should understand that each and everything -- mass, mild, all styles of capability, you and that i, etc.,. -- are embedded interior the "fabric" of area. the respond on your question is that that is area it quite is unquestionably doing the enlargement and rely is merely going alongside for the journey. >>Does the Universe amplify in all guidelines?<< From any poiint interior the universe, like Earth, the universe is increasing in all guidelines. yet bear in ideas -- once you're on another planet mild years from Earth the comparable ingredient may be genuine (the universe is isotropic) >> is there and how can there be a "shape" to the universe? << yet another not person-friendly question! There are 3 diverse shapes the universe might have -- a million. Open (hyperbolic with unfavorable curvature). in this kind the universe keeps to amplify indefinitely; 2. Closed (around). At it gradual interior the destiny the universe might provide up increasing and crumple back on itself; 3. Balanced universe. At it gradual interior the destiny the rigidity of gravity precisely equals the rigidity of enlargement and the universe merely stops increasing with out next crumple. Of the three, all recent observations strongly mean that #a million is the situation of our universe.

Answer 5

The universe is a changing shape.

Answer 6

Visualize it as a great big, fat donut, with the center of everything right in the middle where the donut hole is. Something is still cooking the donut because it is still expanding and getting bigger and bigger every day.
i can't give you a reference to the source of this idea, or theory, because I forgot where I heard/read it.

Answer 7

i can help you,i just got back from the edge in my flying saucer,its kinda egg shaped and its a long way out there

Answer 8

Spherical with a hollow center (like a balloon).

Answer 9

the universe is finite and shaped like a dodecahedron

Answer 10

Well, if repetitive patterns in nature are anything to go by, I'd say it was a sphere.