were does the universe end?

Answer 1

If we are to believe the latest data from WMAP (a probe studying the Cosmological Microwave Background radiation), it appears more and more probable that the spatial extent of the universe (in 3-D) is infinite. Therefore, no edge or border or end.

The space-time continuum does seem to have a beginning around 14 billion years ago. It does not seem to have an end as the density of matter (baryonic or otherwise) appears insufficient to stop the expansion.

Because light travels at a finite speed, it is impossible for us to see anything that is further away than 14 billion light-years. Sure enough, in any direction, the furthest "thing" we can see is the CMB radiation that was emitted when the universe was almost 400,000 years old.

So for us, the "visible end" of the universe is 13.6 billion light-years away, in all directions (like a sphere around us). It has the form of microwave radiation. Before that time (i.e., if we try to look further back in time), the universe was not transparent. Therefore, we cannot see anything further away that the distance to the CMB radiation.

This would be true for any position in the universe that is at the same age (14 billion years old).

Answer 2

We can't 'see' to the edge of the universe. As some have noted, we can only see so far-- the event horizon of the universe. This is something like 13.5 billion light years in each direction from earth. At that point the background radiation (microwave?) obscures anything beyond that distance.

Answer 3

people who quote wikipedia annoy me to no end. Its not a reliable place.. and its full of mistakes and errors.

as far as the end of the universe its up for much debate. One camp suggest since the curvature of space time. it is impossible to find the "edge".

Others point out the fact that the true edge has long since disappeared past the point of the observable universe.

Another neat fact to consider is that space/time itself is not uniform. so in essence there might be an edge in one spot. but not in another. Also could be argued for the same reasons any edge you find wouldn't be a true edge but a 'bubble' of space time anomolous event.

But to answer the question. EVERYONE IS COMPLETELY WRONG! there is no right answer as of yet and there is NO WAY to get a right answer as of yet. not enough data or testable theory. so here is my wrong answer.
Since space time is non-uniformed and curved there is no edge. and there is no center. But what do I know. My answer is clearly just as wrong as everyone elses.

Answer 4

The universe could be never ending. It could be spherical. Some experiments using lasers saterlites and triangles has shown space to be curved. It might be that it is, like the planet, without end.

Answer 5

unknown.

we can only see like 46.5 BILLION light years in every direction...... beyond that we simply don't know whats out there.
its just too far to see anything clearly.
its called "the observable universe"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Observable_universe#Size

be sure to read the "misconceptions" it will help clarify some of the wrong answers you'll get.




its all under speculation. some claim its infinite and others claim its not but for now that is TRULY unknown.

I like the time answer. you can't go wrong with that kind of thinking. Time could "end the universe"

Answer 6

End--------??? or how big is it??? The latest estimates for the width of the universe is 156 billion light years-
Space.com
http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/mystery_monday_040524.html

and a discussion at PBS
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/universe/howbig.html

Answer 7

Whereever you want it to. No one knows where it actually ends. The known limit is 15 billion light years. That is because that the limit of our technology. For every leap in technology the distance grows.

Answer 8

the universe is constantly expanding so there is no place where the universe ends

Answer 9

Well, if you define the universe as the entirety of space-time, then the end of time.

Answer 10

At about 15 billion light years. At that distance the expansion of space exceeds the speed of light. Therefore that is the farthest you are allowed to even know about according to Einstein's theory of relativity that states nothing can exceed the speed of light (except space).