Universe Expansion: How Fast Is It?

In summary, the universe is expanding at roughly 70 kilometers per second per megaparsec of distance, or as a percentage expansion over time. This means that at the current rate of expansion, it would take about 14 million years for the universe to expand by a tenth of a percent, or 140 million years to expand by one percent. This is equivalent to saying that a galaxy 14 billion light years away is receding from us at the speed of light.
  • #1
Chris_Gottschal
4
0
How fast is the universe expanding. Even an estimate would be a good enough answer.
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
  • #3
chroot said:
Roughly 70 kilometers per second per megaparsec of distance.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hubble_constant

- Warren

another way to visulize it is as a percentage expansion over time.

at the present rate of expansion it would take about 14 million years for it to expand by a tenth of a percent-----or 140 million years to expand by one percent.

this is equivalent to what Chroot said

another way to say the same thing is that a galaxy which is at this moment 14 billion LY from us is receding from us at speed c.

a galaxy which is currently 28 billion LY from us is receding at speed 2c, and so on.

something 42 billion LY away is presently receding at 3c...

(this is just translating Chroot's figure into different units which may be more familiar to some people)
 

1. What is universe expansion and how does it happen?

Universe expansion refers to the phenomenon in which the space between galaxies, clusters of galaxies, and other celestial bodies is increasing over time. This is believed to happen due to the force of dark energy, which counteracts the gravitational pull of matter.

2. How fast is the universe expanding?

The rate of universe expansion is measured by the Hubble constant, which is currently estimated to be around 70 kilometers per second per megaparsec. This means that for every 3.3 million light years, the universe is expanding by 70 kilometers per second.

3. Has the rate of universe expansion changed over time?

Yes, the rate of universe expansion has changed over time. In the early stages of the universe, it was expanding at a much faster rate. However, as the universe ages and the effects of dark energy become more prominent, the expansion rate has slowed down.

4. How do scientists measure the rate of universe expansion?

Scientists use a variety of methods to measure the rate of universe expansion. One common method is using Type Ia supernovae, which are exploding stars with a consistent luminosity. By measuring the distance and redshift of these supernovae, scientists can calculate the expansion rate.

5. Will the universe continue to expand forever?

Based on current observations, it is believed that the universe will continue to expand forever. However, the rate of expansion may change over time. Some theories suggest that the expansion may eventually slow down and even reverse, leading to a "big crunch" where the universe collapses in on itself. However, more research is needed to fully understand the fate of the universe.

Similar threads

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
7
Views
139
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
3
Replies
82
Views
6K
Replies
12
Views
1K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
4
Views
923
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
24
Views
1K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
3
Views
2K
Back
Top