Expanding Universe: Is Space Like a Balloon?

In summary, the conversation discusses the analogy of the universe expanding like a balloon and the misconception that it would eventually tear apart. The analogy is meant to explain the concept of a centerless expansion, but it should not be taken literally. Recent measurements have shown some asymmetry in the expansion, suggesting that there may be both a centered and centerless expansion occurring.
  • #1
us40
29
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If space is expanding like balloon and it disappears wrinkles on surface than after sometimes surface will become smooth and expansion will stop and if we further try to expand the universe than surface will tear apart like balloon's surface.Is it true??
 
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  • #2
The only thing tearing apart is an analogy stretched too far.
 
  • #3
us40 said:
If space is expanding like balloon and it disappears wrinkles on surface than after sometimes surface will become smooth and expansion will stop and if we further try to expand the universe than surface will tear apart like balloon's surface.Is it true??
No. The balloon analogy is just that - an analogy. Obviously the unvierse is not a balloon, and is not made of rubber. It will not tear, nor will it explode if expanded too much.
The analogy aims to explain the concept of a 3-dimensional space expanding uniformly without any identifiable centre to it, by showing how a 2-dimensional space(the surface of a balloon) can expand in such a way. It is only the geometry of the 2-d space that is important here. What exists outside or inside the 2-d space, and what is that space "made of" is completely irrelevant, and focusing on these aspects will lead to misconceptions about the Big Bang.

Have a look at this article:
http://www.mso.anu.edu.au/~charley/papers/LineweaverDavisSciAm.pdf (first page is blank)
to get a better grip on what the analogy is and isn't trying to convey.
 
  • #4
us40 said:
If space is expanding like balloon and it disappears wrinkles on surface than after sometimes surface will become smooth and expansion will stop and if we further try to expand the universe than surface will tear apart like balloon's surface.Is it true??

No, it's nonsense. I suggest you look at the link in my signature
 
  • #5
Bandersnatch is correct. A similar analogy in 3 dimensions is rising bread dough. From practically any bubble inside the loaf one would see other bubbles moving away from you in every direction. The basic idea is that there is no central point of origin for the expansion. The uniformity of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) has been interpreted as evidence that the expansion of the universe is centerless. However, recent measurements of very high precision show some unexpected asymmetry and non-uniformity which I personally believe indicate that the universe may have expanded in two modes simultaneously -- centered and centerless, (just my speculation).
 

1. What is the expanding universe theory?

The expanding universe theory states that the universe is constantly expanding, meaning that the distance between galaxies and celestial bodies is increasing over time.

2. How does the expanding universe theory relate to a balloon?

The expanding universe theory is often compared to a balloon being inflated. Just as the surface of a balloon expands as it is filled with air, the universe is expanding as it is filled with new space.

3. What evidence supports the expanding universe theory?

One of the key pieces of evidence for the expanding universe theory is the redshift of light from distant galaxies. This is when the wavelength of light is stretched as it travels through expanding space, causing it to appear more red. Additionally, the cosmic microwave background radiation, leftover heat from the Big Bang, is evenly distributed throughout the universe, supporting the idea of a uniformly expanding universe.

4. What is dark energy and how does it relate to the expanding universe theory?

Dark energy is a mysterious force that is thought to be responsible for the acceleration of the expansion of the universe. This is based on observations of distant supernovae and other celestial objects. While its exact nature is still not fully understood, dark energy is an important component of the expanding universe theory.

5. Will the universe continue expanding forever?

Based on current observations and models, it is believed that the universe will continue expanding forever. However, this does not rule out the possibility of alternative theories or new discoveries that may change our understanding of the universe's expansion in the future.

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