2006-12-17 09:58:55 · 13 answers · asked by oddgoo 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
The distance from one end of the universe to the other.
Modern estimates put this at over 150 billion light years. If you want to know how such a great distance is possible if you cannot travel faster than light, you will have to do some research on 'inflation', which has been well supported with evidence from WMAP.
However, we cannot infer geometry from topology; I'm making an assumption when saying that the universe actually has 'ends'.
And people, please...the visible universe is finite. There are no real measures of infinity we can see here in the universe.
2006-12-17 11:04:47 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I am not a scientist, but I will try to answer that question as best I can.
I think that scientists pretty well agree the age of the universe is roughly 2 billion years old. As the universe keeps expanding it would be impossible to determine the distance from one side to the other, but if, and only if the big bang theory is correct, and expanded at even one tenth the speed of light and stopped for out benefit, we would have to take a couple of things in consideration.
Distance in far space is measured in light years. Light travels at 186,000 miles per second, really fast. If it were 2billion years since the big bang and the universe was expanding at 1/10 the speed of light, then it would be roughly 200 million light years to the center of the universe. Since the edge is at least theoretically 200 million light years to the center, it would be logical that it would be 400million light years across the universe.
I had to use those figures just for an example, except for the speed of light. The universe is still expanding at millions if not billions of miles per year. It may at some time stop expanding and start to implode, but we won't have to worry about that.
2006-12-17 10:30:46 · answer #2 · answered by gyro-nut64 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
By definition, the "universe" is everything there ever was, is now, or ever will be. To observe and analyze some thing into which our universe is expanding would require us to somehow leave our universe, along with all of its physical laws that make our existence even possible. Wondering about what's beyond our universe is like standing precisely at the North Pole and asking what lies farther north. "...will the universe just run out of steam and not retract as believe by some..?" The most current research (COBE and WMAP space programs) strongly indicate that the universe will indeed continue to expand indefinitely. Over untold trillions of years, the universe will finally be an absolute vacuum without any mass or energy, just space.
2016-05-23 02:54:19 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
*sigh*
OK, how will I start. Every thing I'm am about to say comes from multiple books and leading theories on the subject, if you want my sources get in your car, drive to a large book store, go to the section labeled ASTRONOMY (it exists don't be afraid) and pick up almost any book. The universe started 13.5 bil. years ago with the big bang were all known particles were contained in a single point then expanded (It was not big and there was no bang, the name was an accident) at mind blowing rates, the farthest viewed object by Hubble was 13.3 bill. years away meaning the light left that Galaxy 13.3 bill years ago close to the big bang (13.2 is around when the 1st stars ignited) so that is the furthest viewed object from earth
2006-12-17 10:22:27 · answer #4 · answered by mac e 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This depends upon whether you believe that space is a stable, constant, permanent phenomenon, in which the universe is housed, or whether you believe that space is "unfolding" along with the expansion of the universe.
If it is the former, then the answer is infinite.
If it is the latter, we would need to know things which we do not know, but can only estimate, and something on the order of Hundreds of billions of light years would be an approximation.
Even science is subject to our individual beliefs.
Namaste,
--Tom
2006-12-17 10:05:59 · answer #5 · answered by glassnegman 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The universe is absolutely 100% Infinite. Thusly, the largest distance cannot be measured.
2006-12-17 10:02:28 · answer #6 · answered by Casey B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well the universe is ever expanding and the 2 farthest points are flying away from eachother at about 3 billion miles per hour. so eventually the universe will collapse and everyone will die. kinda depressing isnt it. lol
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2006-12-17 10:01:52 · answer #7 · answered by InFo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Iinfinite
2006-12-17 10:00:34 · answer #8 · answered by mostsleek 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Double the distance of the radius!
2006-12-18 03:40:12 · answer #9 · answered by Billy Butthead 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
infinite. Especially when you consider the "fact" the universe is constantly expanding.
2006-12-17 10:00:54 · answer #10 · answered by Modus Operandi 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋