What can we see from the farthest reaches of the universe?

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of the edge of the universe and whether or not it exists. While there is no concrete evidence of an edge, the current model for the topology of the universe is that it is flat and infinite. Some theories suggest that the universe may be closed or toroidal, but it is impossible to know what exists beyond our known universe. The only known constraint is the particle horizon, which continues to recede at the speed of light. Ultimately, the question of the edge of the universe is a hypothetical one, as it is impossible to envision something beyond the known universe.
  • #1
Lewis123
5
1
Hypothetically, what does the edge of the universe look like?

Past our known visible universe to the edge of the expanding universe what is it like?
 
Space news on Phys.org
  • #2
As far as we can tell there isn't one... at least, no reason to think there may be an edge way way out there the way you seem to be thinking.

The current simplest best model for the overall topology of the Universe is "flat, infinite".
It may be that the Universe is closed in the sense that hypothetical travellers could keep going in one direction and eventually and up where they started.
The simplest non-infinite Universe that fits the data would be Toroidal.
 
  • Like
Likes berkeman
  • #3
You are effectively asking 'what is beyond all that is known'. A shaman would roll his eyes and simply respond 'the unknown'. A scientist would shrug and say 'nothing'. While that sounds pretty vacuous, it captures the essence of the question. You cannot picture the universe from outside the universe because everywhere and anywhere possible to go is, by definition, part of this universe. The only known constraint is called the particle horizon - the distance photons have traveled since the beginning of time and that 'boundary' continues to recede from us at light speed. Distance, however, is always relative to something and that something is the big bang: which turns out to be singularly unhelpful. The big bang occurred everywhere - not at some uniquely identifiable location.
 
  • #5
Lewis123 said:
Hypothetically, what does the edge of the universe look like?
You are asking what exists outside of everything that exists.
 
  • #6

1. What is the edge of the universe?

The edge of the universe refers to the boundary or outermost limit of the observable universe. It is the point beyond which we cannot see or detect any objects or events.

2. Is the edge of the universe constantly expanding?

Yes, the edge of the universe is constantly expanding as the universe itself is expanding. This is due to the force of dark energy, which is causing the universe to expand at an accelerating rate.

3. Can we ever reach the edge of the universe?

No, it is currently impossible for us to physically reach the edge of the universe. This is because the universe is expanding at a rate faster than the speed of light, which is the maximum speed at which anything can travel.

4. What lies beyond the edge of the universe?

It is not known what lies beyond the edge of the universe, as it is currently beyond our ability to observe or detect. Some theories suggest that there may be other universes or dimensions beyond our own, but this is still a topic of ongoing scientific research and debate.

5. Is the edge of the universe the same as the beginning of the universe?

No, the edge of the universe is not the same as the beginning of the universe. The edge of the universe refers to the current outermost limit of the observable universe, while the beginning of the universe refers to the moment of the Big Bang, which is the event that is thought to have started the expansion of the universe.

Similar threads

  • Cosmology
2
Replies
57
Views
3K
  • Cosmology
Replies
5
Views
1K
Replies
38
Views
1K
Replies
24
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Cosmology
Replies
30
Views
2K
Replies
19
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
905
Back
Top