Since the universe is expanding, there must be a point at which one could call the Edge of the Universe, right? Granted, that boundry would change every moment (since it's always expanding at a fantastic rate), but still, at a given point in time, one should be able to say "Right here IS the edge of the universe." My question is what is on the other side of the edge? Foesn't "something" HAVE to be there? Might it be the dark matter or dark energy? Or some bizarre group of sub-atomic particles I've only recently heard of (thanks to this forum and the very intelligent people who frequent it)? The strangest answer I've heard is some sort of parallel opposite universe. Anyone have a conjecture?
Originally posted by PinkFloydAn interesting question. In answer to this it is very relevant to look at relativity and in particular the space/time and the gravitational lensing of matter. Matter bends space/time. So if you think about the early universe (
Since the universe is expanding, there must be a point at which one could call the Edge of the Universe, right? Granted, that boundry would change every moment (since it's always expanding at a fantastic rate), but still, at a given point in time, one should be able to say "Right here IS the edge of the universe." My question is what is on the other side ...[text shortened]... answer I've heard is some sort of parallel opposite universe. Anyone have a conjecture?
I think the answer to that question lies in the idea of higher or extra dimensions. The universe IS space so if there are only the dimensions we know, there is nothing for it to expand into. If there are extra dimensions, that gives a framework for an expansion.
I think that argues for extra dimensions, but it seems like a circular argument. Without extra dimensions, what would our universe be expanding into? There are conjectures about our universe being the other end of a black hole, which makes sense in a way. It would say that black holes can create new universes and if so the universe is full of other universes all expanding in their dimensional framework. Something like that could go on ad infinitum, a black hole within a black hole within a black hole, etc. That would also argue for extra dimensions.
Originally posted by PinkFloydIt depends on your definition of Universe. If by Universe you mean observable Universe that it has an edge. But if you mean all that exists it doesn't have an edge by its own definition.
Since the universe is expanding, there must be a point at which one could call the Edge of the Universe, right? Granted, that boundry would change every moment (since it's always expanding at a fantastic rate), but still, at a given point in time, one should be able to say "Right here IS the edge of the universe." My question is what is on the other side ...[text shortened]... answer I've heard is some sort of parallel opposite universe. Anyone have a conjecture?
Originally posted by adam warlockThere are other possibilities though.
It depends on your definition of Universe. If by Universe you mean observable Universe that it has an edge. But if you mean all that exists it doesn't have an edge by its own definition.
Consider space being the surface of a balloon. The balloon is expanding. But if you're sitting on the surface only aware of two dimensions, where is the edge?
Now extend to three dimensions (so expanding in a fourth),
I'm not saying that's an accurate description, I don't know enough about cosmology, but it's a possible geometry.
Originally posted by mtthwYes. On your case the balloon geometry is embebbed on a 3-d space but on the case of the Universe it isn't imbebbed in anything else. It is all that is. Kinda like being in the balloon and not being aware of an extra dimension (cause there isn't any in this case).
There are other possibilities though.
Consider space being the surface of a balloon. The balloon is expanding. But if you're sitting on the surface only aware of two dimensions, where is the edge?
Now extend to three dimensions (so expanding in a fourth),
I'm not saying that's an accurate description, I don't know enough about cosmology, but it's a possible geometry.
Originally posted by PinkFloydThe anwser to your post is extremly simple.
Since the universe is expanding, there must be a point at which one could call the Edge of the Universe, right? Granted, that boundry would change every moment (since it's always expanding at a fantastic rate), but still, at a given point in time, one should be able to say "Right here IS the edge of the universe." My question is what is on the other side answer I've heard is some sort of parallel opposite universe. Anyone have a conjecture?
Humans are interpreteting the world around us the best they can but when something is beyond their understanding they try to simplife it to be able to understand it. Just because we can't understand something for our tiny human perspective, it doesn't mean that it is complicated or abstract. I mean, what is 500 grams of grey mass compared to seemingly endless universe. Human mind automatically rejects what it can not understand, so if there is NOTHING beyond limits of universe, human mind can not imagine NOTHING existing. We think : Well, isn't nothing something ???! That is just your brain limit.
However, here is analogy that I'have read in one of my astronomy books :
Earth is endless, isn't it, I mean it has concrete, limited mass and size easily measured. However, from our perspective (ESPECIALLY before technological advancement in XX. century), WHERE ON HECK THE EARTH ENDS ? Earth is endless and still it is not big at all. You can walk until the end of your life, and you still won't find an edge.
Add another, third dimension, and you use this analogy to universal proportions.