2006-12-07 18:57:44 · 11 answers · asked by darestobelieve 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
http://map.gsfc.nasa.gov/m_uni/uni_101shape.html
The simplest version of the inflationary theory, an extension of the Big Bang theory, predicts that the density of the universe is very close to the critical density, and that the geometry of the universe is flat, like a sheet of paper. That is the result confirmed by the WMAP science.
Measurements from WMAP
The WMAP spacecraft can measure the basic parameters of the Big Bang theory including the geometry of the universe. If the universe were open, the brightest microwave background fluctuations (or "spots") would be about half a degree across. If the universe were flat, the spots would be about 1 degree across. While if the universe were closed, the brightest spots would be about 1.5 degrees across.
Recent measurements (c. 2001) by a number of ground-based and balloon-based experiments, including MAT/TOCO, Boomerang, Maxima, and DASI, have shown that the brightest spots are about 1 degree across. Thus the universe was known to be flat to within about 15% accuracy prior to the WMAP results. WMAP has confirmed this result with very high accuracy and precision. We now know that the universe is flat with only a 2% margin of error.
2006-12-07 19:26:24 · answer #1 · answered by Sillira 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
What makes you so sure that it has a shape at all?
No-one on Earth knows for certain what the Universe is. Many people have theories, theories which are based on theoretical physics. It's all theories, nothing is proven; we 'choose' to believe things.
For example, how you YOU know the Earth is round? Have you seen it with your own eyes? Have you measured it? No, but you choose to assume that it is round, because you are told that it is.
Personally, I would think that the Universe is roughly spherical, as this is the most economic shape.
2006-12-07 19:35:20 · answer #2 · answered by shoby_shoby2003 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
impossible to know because the universe keeps expanding outwards. also scientists don't measure the universe with the common units of length, instead they measure with units of time. For instance: from earth to the moon is 8 days. so the distance between earth and moon is 8 days.
The moon and earth are still pretty close together. When u get larger distances thats when it actually starts measuring with units of time.
2006-12-07 19:04:54 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
you probably did stable. you will possibly desire to experience pleased with your self, yet mabey the coffee replaced into to warm mabey you will possibly desire to have placed some ice cubes in it lol the right thank you to maintain somebody who's choking is the heimlich maneuver it relatively is beneficial to think approximately learning it cuz warm coffee wont consistently save somebody who's chokeing
2016-10-14 06:20:08 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nobody on this earth knows this of sure. So you can either wait for the answer or go up to find it from HIM.
2006-12-07 21:35:38 · answer #5 · answered by Sanju_the_gr8 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Really have no clue, Ive never stood outside of it to witness its geometric shape, or atleast i don't think i have.
2006-12-07 19:00:55 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
distorted flying saucer shape. real annoying really. pain when I am trying to get home after work, flying around all that crud.
2006-12-07 19:06:39 · answer #7 · answered by Carl P 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's a dome as far as we can see.
otherwise, infinity does not have a shape
2006-12-07 19:03:49 · answer #8 · answered by chapped lips 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's probably an expanding sphere. but who knows, maybe it only exists in our minds.
2006-12-07 19:03:20 · answer #9 · answered by yjovian 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it is completely unknown. there is no answer to this question
2006-12-07 19:03:23 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋