If the Universe is not infinite, what could be beyond it?

Question

In your opinion.

What do some of you mean by 'Blank'

I am reading the answers. I am NOT assuming the universe is not infinite, but the question I asked assumes that.

For the loop theory, what is outside the loop.

Answer 1

and whats at the end of that. For all we know we could be a cell in someone's body

Answer 2

If this universe were infinite it couln't also be expanding. Think about it: in what could an infinite universe expand? What Space would it be continuously taking up? That of Infinity that contains it? It itself would be Infinity.

(As it is, this universe is finite but expanding, and the further back you go the more finite it was, and the further forward you go the less finite it gets, but it can never be infinite. That which contains it is infinite, for if even that be finite, another space would contain it in turn - and how can space be contained within another space - it can only be the same, one, Infinite Space).

Edit: This answer is the same one I gave to an identical question ('Is ours an infinite universe'?, posted by ludwich maartens a week ago). It was chosen as best answer, so I am not replying to get the 10 points. I simply pasted - I can do no better, I'm afraid.

And, Sprinkle, I am pleased that the idea occurs to you. Most cannot go beyond the idea ot this one universe only, whatever its dimensions are taken to be. The hero - and in the ultimate sense too, for he was burned at the stake for it - of the idea of Infinity containing infinite worlds is the philosopher whose namesake I go by. Have a look at his book 'Of the Infinite Universe and Worlds', it is available online in English.

Answer 3

Saying "beyond [the universe]" in it's self is oxymoronic "the universe" by definition is everything. So either it's infinite or it has no "beyond" beyond it.

The theory of relativity say that space time is relative, meaning that how much space (and time) exists depends on individual perspectives. So as things move away from each other the space expands because the "edge" of the universe is all ways further away than anything's perspective.

If these theories seem hard to comprehend it's probably because this is too abstract from anything you've ever experienced.

Answer 4

The universe is finite this is to be known as a certain truth in the mind right from the outset. It is finite because it is made of all things finite, and because once it was infinitesimally small, as state from which it expanded to assume its present shape and size, and also because it is still expanding whereas nothing infinite can ever be made smaller or any bigger then what it is, infinite. If this universe is finite then what is the infinite that it is housed within? Is this universe a limited but visible part of or something infinite, or it is a physical manifestation of that infinite?

But the answer to your question, and to questions like these, cannot be obtained through scientific experimentation, any systematic observation or through popular opinion, the answer can only sought in terms of what is most likely in the mind, or for the certainty of one’s being in terms of faith, or contemplative spiritual reality within human mind that there is God, the Creator above and beyond everything.

The answer could be deduced, however without any certainty, with the help of most abstract of metal capabilities, with the help of intuitively and transcendental thinking. It can be reasoned that once we go beyond the universe, beyond all things, then all would be consumed as for the fuel for thought to reach everything universal absolutely, and then the thought itself will be consumed. It could be said then that in an effort to find the edge to the knowable not only physical energy of the mind would be exhausted, but also all its reserves of wonder, intrigue and curiosity. And by the time one reached beyond all things universal, one would be left with nothing at all! No thoughts, no curiosity, and therefore no question about anything.

Then from that point beyond all things universal, we could look back to find nothing, no universe that once we were but a part of, no time, space, or matter or light. All these could still be there but hidden just the way what is beyond the visible universe is hidden from our view now, somewhere is there but not for us to see, even to imagine.

When we ask questions about things that might be beyond the universe while still completely within the reality of the universe we simple do not find answers, and realise that our sense of wonder can be materialistic too, when we wonder about all things material. What is beyond knowledge cannot be sought by knowledge, as one cannot melt copper in a flask that is made of copper. But like everything material sense of wonder could also have its super realistic origin. The way we wonder about things in existence could be refined and our gaze could be elevated to see more things.

Answer 5

That is a terribly difficult epistemological answer to give. Nothing exists beyond the boundaries of the universe, including "nothing" itself. Existence exists where something exists, and as the universe expands, it creates more space with something in it. Outside of that space, there is no space, no time, no particle of empirical reality. That is why physicists try to predict where you would "reenter" the universe if you could actually get close enough to its envelope to touch it. You would not go outside the envelope or you would cease to exist. But the theory is that because existence is all there is, touching its boundary on one side would cause you to "show up" on another side.

Answer 6

Scientists believe that every decision we make, the other things you could have done create a parallel universe in which you did the other things you could have done.

E.g if you play monopoly in this universe you might buy Mayfair, in the parallel universe that gets created you don't buy Mayfair

You asked: If the Universe is not infinite, what could be beyond it?
The answer is:
{Drum roll here}
every Parallel universe there is!

Answer 7

Another parallel universe, Parallel as in time.
First of all, reality is more than 3 dimensional. but ill talk on 3d.
the axes are x, time, y, space, and z, gravity. so, its like this, if the amount of gravity is extremely high, like in black holes, the graph can be bent so that time meets with space. in other words, Time Travel. And so, here comes the grandfather paradox. When, it happens, we enter into another parallel universe. for example, if i were to travel back in time, 100 yrs ago and shoot my grandfather dead. meaning, i wouldnt be alive, then, the time path changes. and that is when, we enter another space. Another graph as related to the 3-d graph earlier. Therefore, new space ur in is another universe. For example, Andromeda galaxy, might have another of YOU maybe fatter coz u chose to eat more in that timeline. or maybe the radio isnt invented yet, coz gugliemo marconi accidentally fell and broke his skull. so, basically, my opinion is whats after the universe is probably another space where time moves at a different rate and thus, affecting space.
But it's just a theory that can not yet be proven..

Answer 8

To all the people who said it is blank how is that possible but I might be wrong anyway I agree with the person who said it was an infite loop the edge of the universe will take you to the other end.

Answer 9

There's the membrane theory and that makes sense. It's like our universe is on a membrane, and there are other membranes next to it.

Read about quantum physics and string theory if you're interested in things like this.

I like the answer about the universe being a loop. That's brilliant.

Answer 10

They say the universe is growing at an amzing rate as to what is out sied of it nobody knows. It might just be an empty space divoide of everything but it might be another universe. The universe is so vast they will never travel out side of it or even reach the edge for probably another 1000 years if our species even lasts that long.

Answer 11

Forever.
Much different than choosing a spot.
How far can you walk into a forrest?
Half way. Then you are walking out.
Not so for the universe. Amazing.
By the way. I've been informed that God is not the Master of the Universe. These words came to me from a child of about 5 years who proclaims, " Huh, huh. He Man is the Master of the Universe." Thought I'd share that with you