What is the shape of the universe,and does it have no end?
2007-06-27 17:47:49 · 10 answers · asked by Life goes on... 6 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
there are actually several interesting concepts from theoretical cosmology for each of your questions, but there is not, as of yet, a definitive answer to any of them.
a big reason for the difficulty in answering these questions is that there is the universe...and the "observable universe". we already know the universe is larger than what we can see. this has to do with the finite speed of light. there are stars so far out that their light has not reached us yet.
right now, m-theory has the most going for it in answering all 3 of your questions.
first we have to understand what the universe actually is as it is not as simple as defining the universe as "everything." our universe is a 4 dimensional space-time (3 spatial dimensions and one temporal dimension) and all the matter and energy in this space-time.
the overall concept of m-theory is that the universe is a spatial extension called a brane (that we can describe mathematically and does have a "boundary" but a brane can be stretched infinitely) and outside the universe we exist in is a region of higher dimensions that they call the "bulk" in which it is possible that other "universes" may exist that may or may not have any similarities to our own.
scientists actually have a plan to test your title question about what's outside of our universe. they need to make a black hole with 5 spatial dimensions (do not worry, it can't destroy the earth or anything like that...it's of such little mass, it will just "evaporate" in microseconds) which can be done by ramming 2 particles with a butt-load of kinetic energy. "butt-load" is of course a technical expression used in science.
when the black hole is created, there will be some observable evidence to show how gravitons interact with the bulk or other universes. if there is something out there we will know and if there is nothing out there we will know. the particle accelerator needed for the experiment is not built yet (it has to be HUGE to get the particles fast enough so there's enough energy when they collide)...but it's in the works.
it's all completely fascinating and you can read more by looking up cosmology, brane cosmology, m-theory, etc.
i have some experience with it, but much of it is a bit above my head as i, for now, only have a bachelors in physics. but the wikipedia article i have sourced actually discusses and has links to more thorough discussions for your questions and explains what we currently know and why rather well without being so technical that you need a PhD to understand it.
Vive la physique!
2007-06-27 18:45:22 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
What is beyond the universe?
The main options:
1. Nothing. Just define 'universe' so it includes everything.
2. Space containing no matter and perhaps even no energy.
3. There is no such thing. Space exists only as relationships between matter, so if there is no matter, there is no space. I'm not joking. Some scientists seriously consider this.
4. There is no such thing. Space is expanding along with the material universe.
5. There is no such thing. The universe is a closed topology. I don't think there is any particular evidence to support this.
6. Conjecture whatever you like. We'll never know. It's beyond our event horizon. Imagine parallel universes if that tickles your fancy.
2007-06-27 18:38:56 · answer #2 · answered by Frank N 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
The universe is constantly expanding, no one knows what it's shaped like or where it ends (if it does) or if there is anything outside of it.
2007-06-27 17:51:07 · answer #3 · answered by Heather 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
That's like asking, "What is there beyond what there is?" or "What else exists besides all known existence?" or "Does a fart smell if no one's there to smell it?" The universe IS existence, in other words. There is nothing outside of everything. And let's be clear that "nothing" does not mean an empty vacuum... it means -nothing-... not there... doesn't make sense to talk about "it" because "it" is nothing.
2007-06-27 18:07:16 · answer #4 · answered by Daniel P 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Universe is the sum total of 'energy and matter'. There's nothing called outside universe. Whatever form of energy and matter available, is part of the Universe itself. As per 'The Big-bang' theory, the total 'energy and matter' was in form of a large chunk and then it exploded. This explosion created the solar system, stars, planets, galaxies etc. and that scattered all over. This expansion of Universe is still going on.
2007-06-27 18:04:53 · answer #5 · answered by gee 2 · 2⤊ 3⤋
Whatever it is, it must be incredibly fascinating..!!
To me, and \i am not a scientist, the universe is but a mere speck inthe bigger picture of Creation. And creation is after all just a tiny part of the awesome Creator whom I serve!
What a feast it would be to me in eternity to sit on His lap as \he shows me the wonder of the work of His hand! Off course this will only be a reality because of my relationship with Jesus Christ.
You can read the book of Isaiah in the Bible for further [scientific] information on creation
2007-06-27 18:00:00 · answer #6 · answered by godshandmaiden 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Chuck Norris.
2007-06-27 17:59:26 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋
Nothing.
Spherical.
No.
2007-06-27 18:47:22 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
i have always wondered this myself. i dont think anybody knows the answer.
2007-06-27 17:50:18 · answer #9 · answered by *bored* 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Who cares? You and I are not going there. God doesn't want us messing around with his universe.
2007-06-27 17:57:01 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 7⤋