the whole infinity term is really a cop out ...why couldnt they just say ....we dont know?
2007-02-26 08:07:41 · 10 answers · asked by Dead n Stinkin 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
That is the kicker in relativity.
The math behind general relativity and cosmology says that there *is* no space beyond the boundary (if it exists)of an expanding universe. Further, it is possible for an infinite universe to expand! Space and time exist *only* within the confines of the expanding universe. This is incredibly difficult for us, living in apparent 3-D space along a one-way time vector (we only get older, no going back), to get our heads around. Einstein and Hawking and the like are among the few for whom this may be intuitive, and it comes directly out of the mathematics.
2007-02-26 09:36:44 · answer #1 · answered by Jerry P 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not expanding into anything.
To say it's expanding into something is to ask what it is extrinsically topologically embedded in. It is not extrinsically topologically embedded. The intrinsic topological space is what is expanding.
Even 'infinity' is not a correct answer.
Imagine this -- I wish to put infinite area into a square one unit in visible area. I can do this by compressing the area inside of it according to a logarithmic formula. It does not matter what base-log I use so long as it is greater than 1, I can succeed in doing so. However, if I slowly increase the base-log from 2 to 3, there is more distance between any two given points in the visible square, even though there is still infinite space. The space didn't expand into anything, distances inside it just got bigger.
2007-02-26 08:20:29 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
We don't know we can only speculate.
Men will always question yet may never understand.
The universe is a finite entity,with a beginning and an end.
It is expanding into nothing.
It's expansion leads to a diminishing of density which will eventually be the method of it's demise.
If you have faith all the problems go away.
2007-02-26 09:12:35 · answer #3 · answered by Billy Butthead 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am somewhat concerned about your statement that you feel the infinity thing is a "cop out."
Can you please list for us your educational background?
Graduated high school ________ Year
Graduated College _________Year
Obtained Masters
Degree at ___________College in ________ Year
Obtained Doctorate
Degree at ____________College in ________ Year
Next, so that we can fully appreciate your full comprehension of the finite dimensions of outer
space, will you please tell us the distance from the
Sun to the most distant objects that we can presently
see in outer space. Distance = ___________ Light Years
Finally, tell us what method of measurement you have
mastered which will permit you to measure from some
fixed point (such as here on Earth) out to a distant
point in space which is empty, and beyond the fartherest
things we can see with all of the radio telescopes and
space telescopes that mankind has developed so far.
Please list this technique on Yahoo Answers - Astronomy Section for all of us to examine and verify.
These little gestures on your part will greatly assist all of us who are struggling to understand and study the universe as a whole. So many of us, you see, are struggling with the enormous amounts of data which one must absorb to locate and study a single entity in outer space. It is just fantastic that you have arrived at such an all encompassing answer to the enormous questions of outer space and total rejection of concepts like infinity.
It would also be of fantastic value to every single one of us if you could give us a distance which is just this side of infinity, please. You know, tell us what is just not quite as far out there as infinity is. Certainly you have a distance in mind. Share it with us please ----------------.
2007-02-26 11:14:41 · answer #4 · answered by zahbudar 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually scientist are studying the possiblity that the universe expands and contracts, like lungs. Look up "Dark Matter"
2007-02-26 11:19:01 · answer #5 · answered by trinity_91724 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you asking what lies beyond the edge of the universe?
The answer is: The Future.
2007-02-26 12:18:05 · answer #6 · answered by anonEmouse 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Two answers: one - 'nothing', and two - ' it isn't expanding into anything, it's just space-time itself expanding'.
2007-02-26 08:21:55 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
#1. I don't know.
#2. Egotism.
http://watchtower.org/e/19960122/article_01.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/20001008/article_01.htm
2007-02-26 09:47:14 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
space its expanding to fill more space thats why they called it outer space.......
2007-02-26 08:12:06 · answer #9 · answered by goku 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If someone on here knew the answer to that.....they wouldn't be on here.
2007-02-26 08:14:25 · answer #10 · answered by John S 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋