2006-09-26 12:45:52 · 30 answers · asked by Bernie M 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
NO,it's a space after space after space after space after space after space after space after space after space after space after space after space.................................................... after space ..............................after space ............................ .......................................................................................AFTER SPACE
2006-09-26 16:33:31 · answer #1 · answered by msshy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a copy of a previous Best Answer - Chosen by Asker
According to current theory, the universe can have one of three basic shapes: sphere, flat, and saddle. Many astophysicists today subscribe to the flat model. But there is no universal consensus (pun intended).
Einstein incorporated a more or less arbitrary constant in his theory of relativity equations to make things come out right. For Einstein, that meant a stable, non contracting or expanding universe. That constant is called the cosmological constant. Check this out:
"The cosmological constant (usually denoted by the Greek capital letter lambda: Λ) was proposed by Albert Einstein as part of his theory of general relativity to achieve a stationary universe. After the discovery of Hubble redshift and the introduction of the expanding space paradigm Einstein abandoned the concept. New discoveries in the 1990s have, however, renewed interest in a cosmological constant." [See source 1.]
Among these "new discoveries" was the observation by Hubble (and others) that the universe is not stable...it is expanding and accelerating. The value of the constant, normalized around zero value, dictates the shape of the universe. Check this:
"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." [See source 2.]
When the constant > 0, the universe shape is closed (spherical); when it is < 0, the shape is hyperbolic (saddle); when it is zero, the shape is flat. Current speculation puts the constant at nearly zero; so the guess is that the universe is nearly flat.
This is a good thing because if the universe were not flat, the Pythagorian equation c = sqrt(a^2 + b^2) would not work in 3D space at great distances.
As to the size of the universe, the big bang happened about 13 billion years ago. Light has been traveling about that long; so it has traveled about 13 billion light years. Thus, the observable universe is about six trillion miles per light year X 13 billion light years = 78 trillion billion miles in diameter and getting bigger every day. What lies outside our observable universe is anyone's guess.
2006-09-26 12:58:32 · answer #2 · answered by oldprof 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The answer depends on the destiny of the universe.
In the Big Crunch, the universe's gravity is stronger than the force imparted by the Big Bang, so expansion slows to a halt and reverxes. in this theory, then yes, the universe has a definite ending point.
In the Big Chill, the amount of matter in the universe is too small for gravity to slow the expansion to a halt. The universe will continue to expand, but more and more slowly. So, in this scenario, the universe does not have a specific ending point.
2006-09-26 19:02:42 · answer #3 · answered by Daniel S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Space contains objects & matter that makes space seem like it's "getting smaller", but the space is only being used up. Space never ends.
2006-09-26 12:49:28 · answer #4 · answered by [ashley] 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Space is big but that does not mean it is endless. Consider this: Let us assume that all human life is really microscopic in relative terms and "our" universe is actually a cell within an organism. And our entire scope is very small in such relativity. And so what we think is big space is really little space. We really have no way of knowing even if we build mega space ships. Because in such relativity, we are nothing. But for a "normal" being, it is all very finite. OK?
2006-09-26 15:27:23 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The current theory as I understand it:
The universe is expanding at the speed of light, and has been doing so since the Big Bang. It does theoretically have 'edges' beyond which we can only guess.
The diifficulty is, that to reach the 'edge' of the universe, you would have to travel faster than light in order to catch it up. According to Einstein's theory of special relativity, this would cause you to go backwards in time.
You would then reach the 'edge' of the universe (in space) at the same time as you reached the Big Bang (in time.)
So what you would find if you were to travel to the edge of the universe would be the Big Bang actually happening. I think this point is called the Event Horizon.
Luckily for us, it's impossible to travel faster than light!
2006-09-26 12:57:55 · answer #6 · answered by iMacThere4iAm 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Space has no boundary. It is endless. Space means vacant place and endless. Space will never be ended.
2006-09-26 16:35:16 · answer #7 · answered by Soobrat Kumar S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have heard on several occasions, in school, on tv that "space keeps expanding".
With that in mind and for it to be able to "expand" to me that means there would have to be an "end" to it somewhere... but then my question is.... if it does end.... what is on the other side of it's boundry?
2006-09-26 12:54:48 · answer #8 · answered by j H 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no space has no ending! like a ball
2006-09-26 22:55:53 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They say that space does not end it's difficult to fathom but i guess if it ended what would be there?
2006-09-26 12:47:42 · answer #10 · answered by concernedaboutsats 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Space does end, when it reaches the atmosphere! ;-)
2006-09-27 11:24:29 · answer #11 · answered by MMac 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋