2006-11-27 23:55:53 · 16 answers · asked by Oscar O 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
well, it does not have to be INFINTE, it can just be UNLIMITED.
what's the difference?
well, on the surface of say, Mars, you or I, in a rover, could walk forever and never hit a limit. But Mars is clearly not infinite.
2006-11-27 23:57:51 · answer #1 · answered by AntoineBachmann 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We do not know for a fact that space is infinite. Light is what we use to explore
distant space, the light from stars. We know how fast light travels, so if we know how
far away a star is, we know how long ago the star put out the light. From motion of the
Earth, looking at a star at different times of the year, we know how far away the most
distant galaxies we have ever seen are located. These are stars just coming into being,
very young stars. This causes scientists to believe we there are not many stars beyond.
Still, there could be. It is possible that a very distant set of galaxies exists on it
own, too far away for its light to have reached us yet. We do not know for sure.
Until there is something to indicate its existence, scientists will try to explain
things without it. Scientists prefer to use the simplest models possible that still
agree with reality.
Dr. Ken Mellendorf
Physics Professor
Illinois Central College
2006-11-28 00:04:20 · answer #2 · answered by redunicorn 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Space may or may not be infinite.
The most we can see at present is a sphere about 40 billion lightyears across, so for us the volume of the Universe that is observable by us is finite. Beyond that volume is probably a whole lot of similar space filled with stars and galaxies that we cannot observe (and may never be able to observe, if Dark Energy continues). Beyond that, no one knows. At a distance of 10^25 lightyears or so, physics is probably different from here.
2006-11-28 01:28:56 · answer #3 · answered by cosmo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
According to the definition of infinite - "great beyond measurement or counting; without limit; interminable;" Well I don't know if scientist has determined space to be infinite or not, but if they have this is why.
btw, I think the best answer has already been given I'm just re-wording what someone else has already said
2006-11-28 00:09:01 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Because we dont know how far space goes and where or when it ends we say that space is infinite. Although we dont really know for sure if it is at this time.
2006-11-28 00:01:43 · answer #5 · answered by Taylor 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Aside from a circle, space has no limit, it's as simple as that.When you go to an infinite distance in space and declare it's limit, you may build a marker, border, divider, or wall, but there will always be something beyond that wall. your 10% could be equal to my 90%, so thats not any part of an answer you received.
2006-11-28 00:01:50 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
why do we have two hands?
All these questions belong to philosophy and not astronomy. The space is infinite for the same reason there are 2 atoms at an oxygen molecule.
2006-11-28 01:05:35 · answer #7 · answered by Sporadic 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Simple answer:
Everything in life has a begining and an end. Space is like earth you cant get to the end without doubling back from where you came from. Space also expands like the earth.
Hope this helps...
2006-11-28 00:09:52 · answer #8 · answered by m_s_m_24 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
space is infinitely large as it is small, we are but observers looking at a TV without seeing all the cast and crew off screen
2006-11-28 00:01:21 · answer #9 · answered by gazooks 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If it has a limit, is way beyond our grasp. So we just say it's infinite. Saying we don't know the limits of sapce would be a hit to our scientific egos
2006-11-27 23:58:17 · answer #10 · answered by carlospvog 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋