2007-04-11 03:21:32 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
There is nothing called the end of the Universe. There are three possibilities of the shape of the Universe.
First, the Universe might have what we call positive curvature like a sphere. In this case, the Universe is called "closed" and it has a finite size but without a boundary, just like a baloon. In a closed Universe, you could, in principle, fly a spaceship far enough in one direction and get back to where you started from.
The second possibility is that the Universe is flat. This kind of Universe can be imagined by cutting out a piece of a baloon material and stretching it with your hands. The surface of the material is flat and not curved. You can expand and contract it by tugging on either end. Flat Universes are infinite in extent and have no boundaries.
Finally, the Universe might be "open" or have negative curvature. Such Universes are also infinite in spatial extent and have no boundaries.
Thus whatever be the shape of the Universe, there is nothing called a boundary and hence nothing called the edge or end of the Universe.
Regarding the second question of expansion, remember that space exists only IN the Universe and there is no meaning to the term "outside the Universe". What happens in expansion is that the space itself is expanding. With respect to your room analogy, it is not that the walls of your room are pushing against something but that the space in the room is expanding; there is nothing to push against. Thus, when we talk of galaxies receding from us due to the expanion, it is not that the galaxies are moving, but the space in between us and the galaxies is expanding.
2007-04-11 03:26:02 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Another theory, of which I'm currently a fan, is the parallel universe theory. In this scenario, you have our balloon like universe and outside of our universe you have other balloon like universes that surround each other. The area in between these universes is the place where big bang events happen, and new universes are created. I don't believe you can leave our universe unless you are able to find a bridge between ours and the next universe closest to us..who knows, black holes could hold the answer to this mystery.
2007-04-11 12:46:57 · answer #2 · answered by fonzarelli_1999 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is no end point. Think of the universe like the surface of a balloon. You can blow up a balloon (like our expanding universe) and it gets bigger. But nowhere on the surface is there a beginning or an end.
2007-04-11 10:32:13 · answer #3 · answered by Dendronbat Crocoduck 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It a very good question . What is at the end of the physical material Universe must be the skin of the containment of this large mass structure we call a Galactic containment system desribed by cosmology as the UNIVERSE.
Outside the outskirt is another domain which belongs to Our Creator. This Domain ,in Hebrew language is called "Shamayim"(HEAVEN).This Universe is only His footstool. To Humans its a vast puzzle.
2007-04-11 10:52:17 · answer #4 · answered by goring 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A restaurant. Just kidding.
Actually, there is no end. The analogy usually given is that the universe is like a beach ball. It has finite size, but no edges.
2007-04-11 11:52:50 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
According to Douglas Adams, there is a restaurant at the end of the universe!
2007-04-11 10:29:18 · answer #6 · answered by Tuzla 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
A NEW dimension:
That's spirituality & our open thoughts & minds
2007-04-11 12:17:03 · answer #7 · answered by Kavi 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Nothing...not even space.
2007-04-11 11:00:01 · answer #8 · answered by Jerry P 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The beginning.
(No, I'm not a Vorlon). :-)
2007-04-11 14:57:55 · answer #9 · answered by T 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋