Infinite Galaxy: Can Our Universe Really End?

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  • Thread starter Thread starter aricho
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of whether the universe, described as "infinite," can truly have an end. Participants explore various theories regarding the future of the universe, including the possibility of a Big Crunch and the implications of defining what an "end" means in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if an "infinite" universe that had a beginning must also have an end.
  • Another participant mentions that there is no definitive proof regarding the future of the universe, citing the Big Crunch as a potential end scenario.
  • Some participants note that there are multiple theories about the universe's end, including the possibility of it being infinite.
  • A participant suggests considering the current best cosmological models and their implications regarding the concept of an end.
  • Another point raised is the historical perspective on theories about the universe's end and how these views have evolved over time.
  • There is a suggestion to clarify what is meant by "end," with examples like heat death or non-existence being proposed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express multiple competing views regarding the universe's potential end, and the discussion remains unresolved with no consensus on the definitions or outcomes.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of definitive proof regarding the universe's future and the dependence on varying definitions of what constitutes an "end."

aricho
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"infinite Galaxy"

If our "infinite" universe had a beginning, it has an end, right?
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
Do definte proof has been found yet as to the future of the Universe. Some say it will fall back on itself in the 'big crunch' and that would be the end.
 
It's a question that has a few possible answers. As AMT said, several scientists believe that our universe will eventually end in what is called the Big Crunch, while some believe it is possible that our universe is infinite. You can read more about the big crunch Here
 
You can take a more restrictive view of this: what is the best cosmological model today ('best' of course is somewhat up to you to decide)? What does it say re 'an end'?

You can also take a more relaxed view: humans have been developing theories re the 'end of the universe' for, what, a few thousand years? How have our answers changed, over that incredibly short period of time? What can you conclude from humans' views of whether the universe will 'end' or not, in terms of whether it will, *truly* end?
 
You may also want to define "end" (heat death? non-existence?)
 

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