Is the universe finite or infinite?

Answer 1

There are two classes of Big Bang solutions to Einstein's General Theory of Relativity. One class of solutions is finite and the other is infinite.

If the universe is sufficiently flat that it will not crunch again then it is infinite. In other words there is not enough mass to result in enough space-time curvature for the universe to be closed. The data tends to indicate that this is somewhat more likely, although in principle it does not seem to be possible to experimentally distinguish between an infinite universe and a sufficiently large finite one.. In an infinite universe, if you keep going in some direction you don't come back to where you began, but keep going indefinitely. In a finite one, assuming you could go fast enough, you eventually would get back to where you began.

Either solution the finite one where the traveler eventually comes back to where he began, or the infinite one where he goes on forever is mathematically and philosophically possible. But current evidence indicates that either the universe is infinite or at least very very very big.

The finite model says nothing about "nothing" existing, or something beyond it. If the universe is finite you don't come to an edge, you come back to where you began.

Personal note: I tend to believe the universe is infinite. I think the simplest interpretation of quantum mechanics points to a plentitudnal infinite reality. I am agnostic about our time having a finite beginning or not. In fact I am not even sure the question is even meaningful. The reason I think it may not be meaningful is that I think that fundementally time may be directionless, depending on consciousness and thermodynamics to provide directions within a far more vast reality than we are aware of.

People need to remember that there is a huge difference between the idea of beginnings and creation events. Zero is the beginning of the Natural integers. The north pole is the beginning of lines of longitude. Absolute zero is the beginning of the temperature scale. None of these are in any sense creation events. You must remember that time is a derived property of the universe. Not something it is embedded in.

Now for a personal Rant: If you really want to understand these issues. You first need to understand the mathematical models that General Relativity, and homogeneity imply. You are far more likely to get this understanding from someone who has a physics or differential geometry background and has actually worked through the mathematics involved such as myself, than you are looking in ancient books written by scientifically illiterate goat herders. That is why I suggest in the future asking these questions in the physics section, if you really want to get more informed answers.

The question of whether the universe is finite or infinite is completely orthogonal to the question of whether it is created. If I am a designer of universes ( rather than just creating universe models on a computer), I could choose to create either infinite universes or finite universes ( just as I can create mathematical models of either infinite or finite universes on a computer) . Remember time is just an aspect of the universe. If the universe is not created but simply based on mathematical laws. It could be based on either laws leading to finite universes or infinite universes. Indeed maybe reality is an infinite multiverse containing both finite and infinite sub-universes. So those of you ( both atheist and theist alike ) trying to answer this question based on your personal agenda are misguided. The answer is not to be found in religion, but in science, if in fact it can be found at all.

Answer 2

Infinite potential, finite reality.

Answer 3

easily, pondering there are various theories that contradict one yet another yet all of them carry a minimum of a few credibility. only because i trust ultimately the universe will one way or the different come to an end as all of us understand it i'd say finite. The vacuum it somewhat is area isn't like "nothingness". no longer something would search for advice from with nicely no longer something. area as all of us understand it really is an latest section in which count number is residing. yet ought to that come to an end, nicely it really isn't any longer countless. also, relative to our own beliefs you may also say that it really is finite because you your self would die and section from the universe, or perhaps you only opt for to trust that the universe is countless because our minds can not actually comprehend the classic universe as an finished. the suitable we are able to do is graph/map/type what we see or theorize to be the classic universe. So in reality, there is no answer and to us I doubt there ever will be.

Answer 4

The universe is finite. It had a beginning, and therefore shall have an end. The Big Bang set matter into motion, according to scientific theory. God created the world from nothing other than his bounty, according to O.T. theology. Whichever way you are looking at it (and surely there are other ways, but I mention these two prevalent ones), the universe began...and what begins shall not endure forever. Why? Because if something began, it once did not exist, which means that its nonexistence is not only possible but inevitable. ... Hard for me to fully explain this point, but hopefully what I've said will at least be enough to spur your own thinking about it.

Answer 5

The fact it has a beginning proves that it is finite. However, it is conceivable that it is part of a larger, infinite whole.

I notice you also miss the question of if it is bounded or unbounded. Personally, I think it's finite and unbounded.

Answer 6

The universe is infinite & eternal.

There is no other logical conclusion.


If the universe was finite, there would be something beyond the universe, something beyond that and so on until it was infinite.

"Nothing" does not exist so the universe cannot possibly end.



Our "visible universe" is but a tiny speck within the infinite universe.

Answer 7

I don't think anyone knows for sure. God is infinite but the created universe not necessarily in that case.

Answer 8

Why to care about universe? consciousness is infinite.

Answer 9

it is finite but the universe is expanding everyday

Answer 10

Probably finite, but God only knows that for a fact..