2006-10-09 02:07:24 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
IF space itself was increasing wouldn't the measuring stick increase as well as what you were trying to measure?
2006-10-09 02:27:35 · update #1
Space itself is increasing (expanding, really) - the result of which we call the cosmological redshift.
We measure the expansion of the universe by observing the light from distant galaxies - this light is "redshifted" due to the Doppler Effect since the distant galaxies are moving away from us, and due to the cosmological redshift. Both are at play.
Do a search on "cosmological redshift" or pick up an introductory (college level) textbook on astronomy.
2006-10-09 04:23:32 · answer #1 · answered by kris 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A yardstick wouldn't be long enough. Also, we know space is increasing since the distance between things is getting bigger.
2006-10-09 09:32:52 · answer #2 · answered by Krissy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The space between galaxies is increasing not space itself. Space is infinite and as such cannot increase.
2006-10-09 09:11:10 · answer #3 · answered by FrogDog 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Observations suggest that the universe is expanding, but you would need a pretty big ruler to measure it.
2006-10-09 09:10:46 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
they use a 30cm school ruler
2006-10-09 09:14:46 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋