B Are the Universe and Observable Universe Identical?

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The discussion centers on the distinction between the entire universe and the observable universe, questioning whether they are identical. It emphasizes that empirical evidence cannot confirm the nature of the universe beyond what is observable, as anything outside this realm remains unobservable by definition. The conversation highlights the reliance on cosmological models, which assume homogeneity and isotropy, to make predictions about the universe's structure beyond our observational limits. Participants argue about the implications of these models for understanding the universe's overall properties and the concept of simultaneity among observers at the edge of the observable universe. Ultimately, the limitations of our observations lead to uncertainty regarding the true nature of the universe as a whole.
  • #31
Then they should understand that on PHYSICSforums "Universe" has a precise meaning and they should use this word with that meaning.
 
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  • #32
I don't think even all cosmologists would agree with you. In particular, for those working with either multiverses or quantum-foam bubbles (followed by inflation), they seem to find it helpful to distinguish "everything" from "everything that shares our BB", with the latter being the "universe" and the former being "other universes" that do not, or have not so far, interacted with ours.

Not my usage, but I understand why they might find it useful.
 
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  • #33
JMz said:
I don't think even all cosmologists would agree with you. In particular, for those working with either multiverses or quantum-foam bubbles (followed by inflation), they seem to find it helpful to distinguish "everything" from "everything that shares our BB", with the latter being the "universe" and the former being "other universes" that do not, or have not so far, interacted with ours.

Not my usage, but I understand why they might find it useful.
Thus we may re-ask the initial question(s) within the Standard Model of Cosmology ...
Some answers will still hold, some will not ...
 

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