2006-09-27 05:27:29 · 19 answers · asked by gypsy.flies 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
If we define "universe" to mean all of space, I don't think it can be considered to be finite. I believe there's a finite number of stars and planets occupying a finite amount of space, and beyond that there is probably just empty space, but I would still call that empty space part of the universe. Some theorists have speculated that there is even an infinite number of stars, but this doesn't seem logical to me. I would think that an infinite amount of matter would occupy an infinite amount of space, and we all know that there are vast empty spaces between the stars and even vaster spaces between galaxies. There are also theories that space curves back on itself and that makes it finite, but personally I believe the universe consists of a central core of galaxies gradually expanding into the empty space around it, which is infinite. That's just my opinion, for what it's worth, and I'd be interested to see some responses from people who subscribe to other theories. Some of them are fascinating, even though they may be nearly incomprehensible to us with our 3-dimensional perception of reality (quantum theory suggests there may be as many as nine dimensions).
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I just thought of something else. If space does curve back on itself, wouldn't that mean that as it expands the galaxies at one "end" would eventually start to meet up with the galaxies at the other "end"? I would expect some galaxies to be moving closer together and others to be moving farther apart in this case, but as far as I know the universe is uniformly expanding everywhere that astronomers have been able to see.
2006-09-27 05:46:58 · answer #1 · answered by ConcernedCitizen 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the universe is finite, there is no longer something previous. inspite of the reality that one element that cannot be finite, is time. For the absence of time is the absence circulation. yet without circulation, time can not start up. for this reason, the universe must be perpetually shifting. There would, or would no longer be a decrease to the volume of count number latest contained in the universe, inspite of the reality that this makes little distinction because it is going to change into redundant after a lengthy time period. The dynamics of superclusters are far extra superb than the sheer volume, and vacancy of area. there's a stark evaluation between say the Virgo cluster, and extra rural elements consisting of our interior sight crew. yet in case you look on the universe as an finished, each little thing seems an identical. searching on the universe as an finished is like searching down at human beings from a 100 tale skyscrapper. certainly, attitude is best, and the biggest associates thieve the instruct.
2016-11-24 22:32:22 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're trying to visualize 4 dimensions in 3D -- doesn't work. Since the universe contains everything having 4 dimensions, there's nothing 'beyond' it.
On the other hand, if other dimensions exist at 'right angles' to our 4, then there may well be an infinite number 'above' our universe -- string theory requires at least 11 and as many as 14 dimensions.
Then, too, quantum physics postulates an astronomically large number of parallel universes.
2006-09-27 09:42:17 · answer #3 · answered by r_moulton76 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the universe must wrap around itself at some point, and circle back. Either way, it's beyond our human comprehension. We like to categorize and find a beginning and end to everything.
Otherwise...I'm guessing at the edge of the universe there's a Starbucks.
2006-09-27 05:40:35 · answer #4 · answered by RockC 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Supposedly nothing because the universe is supposed to be constantly expanding and if there was something there it would get in the way and slowly keep the universe from expanding so it would be possible to tell if there was. GameGiver with that space talk!
2006-09-27 05:38:52 · answer #5 · answered by GameGiver 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
More universe.
2006-09-27 05:30:01 · answer #6 · answered by kekeke 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Some other universe. What do you think they say about their universe?
2006-09-27 09:02:56 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
As far as we know it would be just more space, the SPACE is infinite, but the matter of the universe is likely to be finite.
It's really best not to think about it too much, seeing as it doesn't really matter.
2006-09-27 05:35:54 · answer #8 · answered by kingoftheintertron 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Its not possible to reach the end because it will expand faster than we move.
So behind the universe is expansion.
2006-09-27 05:36:10 · answer #9 · answered by Chri R 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Beyond our universe there are other alternate universie, every so often you run into a parallell universe.
2006-09-27 05:32:28 · answer #10 · answered by Sniper 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋