How do we really know what the universe looks like?

Question

How does anyone know what our universe looks like? Nothing and noone has been out far enough to see it.....

Answer 1

True all we can factually know is what we have explored with telescopes etc, anything else really is guess work !! :)

Answer 2

Actually, we have a front row seat to view the Universe! If we were on a planet circling another star, we would be closer to the stars, planets and galaxies in that area, but far from where Earth is located.

Without the aid of anything (just using your eyes alone), you can actually see the Andromeda Galaxy, if you know where to look. I saw it last night and early this morning (after midnight)!

With the aid of science and telescopes (including those that see wavelengths other than visible light), we can see all sorts of interesting things out there. Follow the "Andromeda Galaxy" link, and you'll see images of the galaxy in ultraviolet and infrared.

If you want to see for yourself what the Universe look like, contact your local Astronomy Club, and tell them you would like to learn more about our Universe.

It might be good to start with the Messier objects. Some astronomy clubs have contests in March (or other times) where the winner is the person who can see the most Messier objects in one night using a telescope.

You might also consider joining the Astronomy League, which has some fun programs / activities called Observing Clubs that will encourage you to learn about specific areas in amateur astronomy.

Tonight, you can glance up and get a general idea as to what the Universe looks like. As you learn about orbits, retrograde motion, the phases of Venus, etc, you'll be able to see even more.

The more you learn, the more you will be able to see.

Answer 3

No, but we have a few ideas. We have an idea of the general shape of the universe based on the other galaxies that have been observed, but the problem is, that light left those galaxies a few billion years ago at least, so it really only tells us what it DID look like in the past.

Answer 4

There is a Prinicple that any where you look in space it looks the same. I not sure who thought this up but it was/is a respected principle but i may not have explained it fully. The shape of the universe is consider to be a large 3d oval. not very high compared to the sides. I think Hawking came up with that shape hence the simpsons episode when he considers homers dougnut universe.

Answer 5

we really don't. We only have a tiny glimpse through devices like the Hubble telescope and other crafts being sent into outer space. The universe is so vast that man's finite mind cannot comprehend its vastness.

Answer 6

We have no idea (IMO). There are theories that come and go regularly.

I think saying we undersatdn the universe is like an ant saying he know what the world looks like when all he knows is a 1m patch of grass in my garden!

Answer 7

It looks like dark space with loads of planets and suns and stuff.. Now there are other universes that are at present beyond the reach of our most powerfull telescopes..

Answer 8

i agree, iseen a programe where some guys made an actual map of the universe and our galaxy was a tiny pin point on the edge of a huge diagrame

Answer 9

We are part of the whole.

To sample the whole, look at the part.

Look at your hands and feet. Aren't they wonderful? Hear the rustle of the wind on the leaves. Feel the blue of the sky.

Aref

Answer 10

Well we just keep refining our theory of how it looks on the basis of new observable facts. The theory is our working assumption of how the universe looks and it's all we have.

Answer 11

You're right we can't see it but we can observe parts of it: the movements, of the stars planets etc. And form theories based on the calculation we make from those observations.