Is Any Part of the Universe Truly Empty?

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter TRUGONOWFOR
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Empty Universe
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of "empty space" in the universe, referencing the book "The Holographic Universe." It asserts that regions of space are not truly empty, as they contain gravitational influences and trace elements. Specifically, it mentions that areas deemed "empty" may have approximately 100 hydrogen molecules per cubic kilometer and trace amounts of helium. The conversation emphasizes that the definition of "empty" is subjective and depends on the methods used to observe and analyze space.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational forces and mass attraction
  • Familiarity with spectroscopy, particularly in the infrared range
  • Basic knowledge of atomic elements, specifically hydrogen and helium
  • Concept of spatial density in astrophysics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research gravitational effects in astrophysics
  • Study spectroscopy techniques for analyzing elements in space
  • Explore the implications of "The Holographic Universe" theory
  • Investigate the density of matter in various regions of the universe
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, physicists, and anyone interested in the nature of space and the universe's composition will benefit from this discussion.

TRUGONOWFOR
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
I have just recently read a book entitled THE HOLOGRAPHIC UNIVERSE in which it is suggested that what we now call empty space is only called empty because we are like fish that cannot see the water they swim through. Is there a reason to consider that any area of the universe is empty?
 
Space news on Phys.org
Well... there is always the gravitational argument: mass attracts mass. So if a region of space does not attract other mass, then you can assume it's empty (or rather: not very full). Also, from spectroscopy outside the visible range (mainly infrared) you can make a pretty good guess as to how many elements there are in "empty space", as well as which elements they are. I believe that the real "empty" places have about 100 hydrogen molecules per qubic kilometer (correct me if I'm wrong!) and also trace amounts of helium. Not a lot!
 
It depends on what you mean by "blind." Our eyes aren't the only thing we can use to see. It also depends on what you mean by "empty" because space is generally considered to not be completely empty, just ALMOST completely empty.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Equilibrium of Universe: Earth vs. Black Hole
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
High School How do the candidates for Dark Energy 'work'?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Undergrad Probability of not entering de Sitter
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
High School Why doesn't cosmic inflation violate conservation of energy?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
Undergrad The Boundary of the Observable Universe
  • · Replies 44 ·
2
Replies
44
Views
8K
Undergrad Positions of distant supernova explosions false?
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
4K
Graduate Is Dark Matter Filling the Universe's Voids?
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
5K
High School Estimates — True Size of the Universe?
  • · Replies 33 ·
2
Replies
33
Views
10K
High School The observable and non-observable parts of the Universe
  • · Replies 38 ·
2
Replies
38
Views
8K
Undergrad How do we know age of the universe?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K