what shape is the universe?

Answer 1

An important open question of cosmology is the shape of the universe. Mathematically, which 3-manifold represents best the spatial part of the universe?

Firstly, whether the universe is spatially flat, i.e. whether the rules of Euclidean geometry are valid on the largest scales, is unknown. Currently, most cosmologists believe that the observable universe is very nearly spatially flat, with local wrinkles where massive objects distort spacetime, just as the surface of a lake is nearly flat. This opinion was strengthened by the latest data from WMAP, looking at "acoustic oscillations" in the cosmic microwave background radiation temperature variations.

Secondly, whether the universe is multiply connected, is unknown. The universe has no spatial boundary according to the standard Big Bang model, but nevertheless may be spatially finite ( compact). This can be understood using a two-dimensional analogy: the surface of a sphere has no edge, but nonetheless has a finite area. It is a two-dimensional surface with constant curvature in a third dimension. The 3-sphere is a three-dimensional equivalent in which all three dimensions are constantly curved in a fourth.

If the universe is indeed spatially finite, as described, then traveling in a "straight" line, in any given direction, would theoretically cause one to eventually arrive back at the starting point.

Strictly speaking, we should call the stars and galaxies "views" of stars and galaxies, since it is possible that the universe is multiply-connected and sufficiently small (and of an appropriate, perhaps complex, shape) that we can see once or several times around it in various, and perhaps all, directions. (Think of a house of mirrors.) If so, the actual number of physically distinct stars and galaxies would be smaller than currently accounted. Although this possibility has not been ruled out, the results of the latest cosmic microwave background research make this appear very unlikely.

Answer 2

People have not yet figured that out. This question also depends on the definition of "universe". Is space infinite? In my opinion, yes it is. (After all, what would be outside of space? Just more space.) Is matter infinite? Maybe, maybe not. Most scientists define the universe as all that contains all matter known to exist since the "big bang". Calculations determining the total matter in the universe have been made by scientists but they have been proven wrong. Many scientists think matter is finite. (That doesn't take into account the multiverse theory.) There is a lot of evidence supporting the big bang theory. This would likely cause some type of spherical "universe" but certainly not perfect. However, as matter extends into "space", the universe becomes larger and changes shape.

I personally believe in the "multiverse" theory that there are and have been many "big bangs" throughout eternity. This would mean that there are many, many "universes". For me, however, all those "multiverses" can just be called the "universe" because the universe is everthing there is (in my opinion). It seems to me this would be a cyclical process going on forever both in the past and the future all at different times. Was there a beginning? Who knows? (nobody) Why does there have to be? Will there ever be an end? Doubtful but it's a heck of a long time from now.

We have not yet detected any other universes as part of the "multiverse". It is possible that no light has made it to our universe or even that it is simply undetectable. It is possible that someday humans might know. Not us, but thousands of years from now. (That's assuming we continue to support the manned space program and colonize other planets.)

The best answer I can come up with for the shape is "infinte".

Answer 3

Some very nice answers, but all of them contain unchecked assumptions. This is the perennial problem in science, plus simple lack of essential information. Almost everyone has accepted the reality, the thingness, of time and space. Gravity is explained as warpage of time-space continuum. The Universe is defined as existing between absolute zero and the speed of light. Awareness is assumed to derive from the complexity of the brain..A "few" years ago burning was explained by the phlogiston theory. Solids were considered to consist of Phlogiston and Calk in various combinations. Burning was the release of the active principle, Phlogiston. Discovery of elements finally overcame Phlogiston. The new phlogiston consists of equally inaccurate assumptions, no matter how lovely and workable and mathematically elegant they may be. Time is only a name for regular interaction of forms. Clocks do not measure time, they create intervals and count them. Space is what happens when you have objects at a distance from one another. It has no existence at all. Thus time and space have the same reality as shadow. They are results of interactions, not things.. You can not warp something that has no more existence than shadow, (pick up a shadow and bend it) Making the speed of light the limit of the universe is like having the earth be flat with an edge. The speed of light is a boundary phenomenon, part of what separates different levels of the universe, which has seven levels, each separated from its neighbors by the appropriate type of "light". All are "here" or concentric, light is 3 dimentional surface. On this side is physical plane, on other side is other place some call astral plane. People, individuals, live in all planes. Infinite velocity is the bridging point from the top to the bottom (absolute zero). Ask yourself what is something that is travelling infinitely fast. It is something that is already everywhere at once, therefore "seen from the other side", isn't moving at all. Awareness does not derive from brains, it came first, and the mysterious organizing principle being sought on many levels is the action of awareness in the process of learning. Going out on a limb a bit, Fields of various sorts will supplant the ether in its various incarnations. Gravity and magnetism will be understood in terms of the boundary phenomena that include the various speeds of light. Light is bent by refractive index of field. Awareness can travel way faster than C, but learning how is hard for most of us. I love cosmology.

Answer 4

If any answers here say anything other than flat and quote sources, you need new sources. If you don't, you should have looked it up. I just read about this in Astronomy magazine the other day. The universe is flat. The proof? Take a triangle. If the plane the triangle is on is flat, all angles at up to 180 degrees.If you were to draw a triangle on a curved plane, say, the face of the Earth, the three angles add up to over 180 degrees. If you have a concave surface and draw a triangle, the angles will add up to less than 180. So, scientist drew a triangle in space. One corner here on earth, one on the furthest edge of the universe in one direct, one on the furthest edge in another direct, and the calculation of all angles added up to roughly 180.

To make a long story short, it is flat.

http://map.gsfc.nasa.gov/ContentMedia/990006b.jpg

Answer 5

How is it possible that the universe has no end... there has to have an end. i mean it has to stop somewhere right?


to answer your question no one knows the shape of the universe for all we know there could be hundreds more universes just like we have billions of galaxys in our universes.

i dont know what happended i think i took a left when i should of taken a right....

10 points?

Answer 6

Not in very good shape. I mean we have things exploding and collapsing, we have strings and quantums, we have things expanding and contracting. Where are the good old days? I personally beleive the center of the universe is composed of congealed chicken fat. But I'm only 99% sure of that.

Answer 7

the universe is a sphere and is not infinite because its expanding at a constant rate and scientists know it. (its what its expanding into that we need to figure out)adventualy it will stop and then it will go the opposite way and condence until its gets into a very small compact ball and then it will start all over again with the big bang.

Answer 8

That which is universal and all-encompassing is shaped roughly like the spleen of a Bessarabian Aardvark.

Answer 9

The Universe is infinite in size. It has no shape, no end, no beginning, but it does have a middle.

Answer 10

enough quantum physics has led me to believe the universe (as we know it) is flat. Sure, the _Earth_ is round, but it lives within a flat universe.
I wouldn't hesitate to speculate that this universe is multi-tiered as well, thus allowing time and dimensional shift. But of course, that doesn't change the flatness, merely advances it.