Centre of the Universe: Finding Our Place in Space

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of the center of the universe, questioning whether the universe is finite or infinite and how this affects our understanding of our position within it. Participants explore theoretical implications and seek clarification on cosmological principles.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how scientists determine distance from the center of the universe, expressing confusion about the existence of a center.
  • Another participant challenges the notion of a center, asking where the idea originated.
  • Some participants suggest that physicists are considering the universe to be finite, while others argue that it is generally accepted as infinite.
  • It is proposed that under current theories, defining a center of the universe is impossible, and any point could theoretically be considered the center.
  • A participant recalls a physics teacher's explanation of the Milky Way's position, indicating a misunderstanding about the universe's structure.
  • Some participants reference the Copernican cosmological principle, suggesting that it implies there is no center to the universe, regardless of its finiteness or infiniteness.
  • There is mention of a recent news story regarding a finite universe structure, with skepticism about its acceptance in the mainstream cosmological community.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether the universe is finite or infinite, and there is no consensus on the existence of a center. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various cosmological principles and theories, but there are limitations in the assumptions made about the universe's structure and the implications of recent developments in cosmology.

jimmy p
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Following a thread that was started a while back about the universe, I've just been thinking. If the universe is infinite, how is it that scientists know how far away from the centre of the universe we are?

I ask annoying (and probably basic) questions at the moment because I am trying to build universal knowledge for the course i want to do at uni (university of Reading (pron. Redding) - Physics and the universe) so u have to help me! lol...well not have to but any help would be amazing!

thanx

Jimmy
 
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how is it that scientists know how far away from the centre of the universe we are?
Where did you get the idea that the universe has a center?
 
Because physicists are actually thinking the universe is finite.
 
Where did you get the idea that the universe has a center?
Interesting. Thinking the universe is an irregular shape?
 
how is it that scientists know how far away from the centre of the universe we are?

It is impossible to define a center of the universe under the current theories. So as far as I know we do not know how far from the center of the universe we are. Arguments could be made for being at the center, since any point could be considered the center.


You are not thinking about our postion in the galaxy are you?
 
So now physicists think the universe is finite? a month ago i was told it was more accepted as infinite. ARGH! :frown:

No i remember asking where we were in the universe to my physics teacher a year or two ago and he drew a circle on the board and said that the milky way was somewhere quite off centre.
 
Last edited:
Is thought that universe is *probably* infinite, but due to the Copernican cosmological principle, observation and current theory it is thought that the universe has no centre whether it is infiite or finite. If we were to abandon the Coperincan cosmological principle and a lot of current theory the centre would be pretty much where we are now, perhaps the teacher was referring to the Milky way's place in some larger structure like our local group, etc.
 
AFAIK, the majority of cosmologists still believe that the universe is infinite (or at least boundless) and that there is no center or edge to 3D space.

I don't think that recent news story about a finite universe structure has been accepted by the mainstream yet.
 

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