2007-02-11 03:26:08 · 8 answers · asked by goring 6 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Why do you say apparently expanding? Don't you think it is real? The red shift of light from stars is giving us the evidence for the expansion.
2007-02-11 03:33:08 · answer #1 · answered by Swamy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many physicists believe the observed expansion is credible evidence that the universe was once just a point in space - and this is what primarily give us the Big Bang Theory.
The expansion has the same characteristics as any debris would have during an explosion. The further away the object is, the faster it appears to be moving away from us.
Many mathematical models have been introduced to try and figure out if there is sufficient matter in the universe to cause the expansion to slow, and finally start to collapse in on itself. Some people even propose that maybe time will run backwards during this contraction, should it occur. Others have proposed that maybe we are just one of many universes that have existed as it expands and contracts in cycles.
I seriously doubt we will ever have all of the answers, but that won't stop anyone from asking the questions and trying to find the answers. It's just seems to be human nature to investigate things we don't fully understand.
Good question.
2007-02-11 03:46:34 · answer #2 · answered by LeAnne 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Calculations have been taken over a very short period. Expansion compliments the Big Bang theory, so is the popular flavour today.
Another reason may be discovered in your own life time, like an intergalatical tidal experience. The solar system is not stagnant, so why can't the universe be flowing and circulating. If we see the wrong part of an circle, and it continues for long enough, an expanding universe may sound the best theory.
2007-02-11 03:42:31 · answer #3 · answered by wizebloke 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just took an entire course on General Relativity and we spent a good amount of time on the expanding universe. The universe is expanding because of the fact that empty space expands based off of Einstein's field equations, his "cosmological constant" is the term that gives space this property, and it was proven by observing the redshift in other galaxies. Look up Fredrick, Robertson, Walker metric or FRW metric. Hope this helps!
2007-02-11 03:56:04 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. Gravity pulls on the celestial bodies. The possible cause of expansion is believed to be on what is called the dark energy, a hypothetical form of energy that permeates all of space and has strong negative pressure.
Take a look at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_energy
Maybe it will help you.
2007-02-11 03:51:08 · answer #5 · answered by Jano 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the current theories in physics, astrophysics and astronomy associate the observed expansion of our universe and our galaxy with the big bang model. if you would like to learn more about this subject, try reading Stephen Hawking's book "A Brief History of Time"
2007-02-11 03:41:39 · answer #6 · answered by michaell 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We don't observe galactic expansion. Its the visible universe that appears to be expanding away from us.
2007-02-11 03:28:58 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
We think in expansion of the univers because the effect Doppler of ligth. Actually something else is going on.
2007-02-11 04:28:39 · answer #8 · answered by Jesús V 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋