I think about our solar system and beyond and my head actually hurts. I have being having a discussion here and I am trying to put into prespective the sheer size of the universe. The infinate concept is so much larger than anyone can grasp. I mean, what lies beyond the farthest reaches of space or is that all there is...just the far reaches of infinate space with no end?? I would love an answer that explains this a bit.
Thanls
2007-05-13 16:07:26 · 7 answers · asked by raven 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Raven,
You have asked a question that has inspired astronomers and philosophers for tens, hundreds, even thousands of years. There are libraries full to the brim with books on the subject, so many you could not read them all in your lifetime. The reason nobody can answer the question definitively is because nobody knows. We have barely begun to discover the mysteries of our own Galaxy, let alone the millions of other known Galaxies.
Consider this: Pretend you can fly like superman and you fly until the Universe (space) ends, that is you can't go any further. So what did you run into? A wall? A membrane? Whatever it is, you're stopped on this side . . . so what's on the other side? It has to be one of two things . . . space or something solid.
Space is nothingness so if Space ends, then the rest of infinity has to be solid. Is it more likely that infinity is solid material or more empty space?
My theory is Space is limitless.
You have my thoughts . . . hope that helps yours.
Have fun!
2007-05-13 17:24:00 · answer #1 · answered by Stratman 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The universe is very likely boundless (it has no physical limit). It could also be infinite (no number is large enough to indicate its size).
The surface of a sphere may be finite and still it is boundless (in 2 dimensions). Start from any point on Earth and travel (by plane, say) in any direction. You will never come to a place where the sphere ends. You may pass over your starting point many times (because the size of Earth is not infinite), but you would still be travelling in the same direction.
It is possible that the 3-dimension space is the same: no boundary but if you start off in one direction, you end up back here.
In 4 dimensions (3 space dimensions + time), we think there was a beginning: Big Bang 14 billion years ago -- but you can't travel in that direction.
2007-05-14 00:07:24 · answer #2 · answered by Raymond 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No one knows for sure.
The basic definition of the end of the universe is that point which has no mass of any type.
Thus if you were to walk up to the edge of the universe and enter into that area YOU bring in mass, hence YOU extend the universe. Thus, you can never reach the end because YOU keep making it larger.
A physical membrane is not anticipated by most.
2007-05-13 23:35:39 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
infinite raven,,,,,,,praffix yer spelling,,,,,,the universe is 11 billion years old,thats when it exploded subtract 50 thousand years from that ,and thats how long we've been around,,,,,,,light travels at 186,000 miles a second,,,,,300,000 kilometers x 60(=distance in one minute),x 60(=distance in one hour) x 24(one light day) x 365(=a light year) x 11 billion ,of course ,minus 50,000 years,,,,,,,you do the math,my head hurts
2007-05-14 02:02:21 · answer #4 · answered by quackpotwatcher 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it is other galaxy's and planets probly with different life forms. I really do believe that we are not alone.
2007-05-13 23:21:00 · answer #5 · answered by Sam 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
to really appreciate the expanse of space ......try down loading Celestia......it is one program that really define,s just how distant one object is from another.......you can travel from one planet to another....or from one galaxy to another.....it really show,s you just how far away everything is from each other.
2007-05-14 00:05:58 · answer #6 · answered by slipstream 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
drink lots of beer, and do some whip-its!!
it gives you a better perspective of a lot of issues!!
2007-05-13 23:21:10 · answer #7 · answered by buckin_bull8tix 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋