Could a Curved Boundary of Space-Time Explain Dark Energy?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the hypothesis that a curved boundary of space-time could account for the phenomenon of dark energy. Participants examine the implications of this idea, particularly in relation to the isotropy of the universe and the nature of space-time itself.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes that if space-time has a boundary, its curvature could exert a pulling force similar to gravity, potentially explaining the acceleration of the universe's expansion as dark energy.
  • Another participant questions the assumption of a spherical topology with Earth at the center, suggesting that this perspective may not be valid.
  • A later reply considers whether isotropy could serve as evidence against the existence of such a boundary, although it acknowledges the possibility of effects being too small to detect.
  • Further discussion indicates skepticism about the feasibility of a finite and bounded universe, suggesting that such a scenario would lead to complications and may not align with current understanding.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of isotropy and the nature of the universe's topology. There is no consensus on whether a boundary exists or its potential effects on dark energy.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge various assumptions regarding the universe's shape and the implications of isotropy, but these remain unresolved within the discussion.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in cosmology, theories of dark energy, and the nature of space-time may find the exploration of these concepts engaging.

id10tothe9
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Assume the fabric of space-time is a volume with a boundary. (this seems to be a possibility).

The same way that gravity can be modeled as curvature in space-time around an object, the derivative of which creates a force over other objects close by and pulls them closer, the assumption that space-time is a volume with a boundary means that the fabric of space-time might also have a curvature caused by the boundary. This curvature would be stronger the closer we get to the boundary, and it would have the same effect of gravity on the objects inside. It would cause a pulling force towards the boundary which we observe as the acceleration of expansion of the material universe. Could this effect explain the dark energy?

Like in a cup of coffee, the foam formed on the surface tends to move and accelerates towards the boundary of the surface because of the force on it caused by the tension at the surface boundary.
 
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This perforce assumes a spherical topology with us at the center in order to maintain istotropy. Do you REALLY think we're at the center of the universe?
 
didn't think of that :D thanks.
Does this mean the isotropy provides a proof that no such boundary exists (unless effect too small to detect)?
 
id10tothe9 said:
didn't think of that :D thanks.
Does this mean the isotropy provides a proof that no such boundary exists (unless effect too small to detect)?

No, the universe could be infinite, finite but unbounded, or I suppose theoretically it COULD be just finite and bounded but that is VERY unlikely and leads to all kinds of problems and your scenario still wouldn't work unless we were at the center which is just silly).

There's a terrific FAQ at the top of the cosmology sub-forum that has all kinds of information that you would likely find interesting and I suggest you read it.
 
thanks :)
 

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