End of the Sky: Is There a Limit?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the concept of the universe's boundaries and the nature of its expansion. Participants explore questions regarding whether there is an "end" to the sky or space, the implications of the universe's expansion, and the potential existence of forces beyond our universe. The conversation touches on cosmology, theoretical physics, and the philosophical implications of these ideas.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the notion that the universe's expansion is solely due to an explosion from a single object, suggesting the possibility of external forces influencing this expansion.
  • There is mention of ongoing research in cosmology related to these questions, indicating a broader scientific inquiry into the nature of the universe.
  • One participant references "The Elegant Universe" and its relation to superstring theory and M-theory, noting that these theories lack empirical validation despite their mathematical elegance.
  • Another participant suggests that understanding the universe may begin with the General Theory of Relativity and the Big Bang Model.
  • There is a suggestion that the universe may have a slight curvature, referencing Stephen Hawking's ideas about a finite but unbounded universe.
  • Concerns are raised about the accessibility of "The Elegant Universe" for beginners, with one participant expressing that it may require prior knowledge to fully comprehend.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of viewpoints regarding the nature of the universe's expansion and its boundaries. While there is acknowledgment of ongoing research in cosmology, no consensus is reached on the specific nature of the universe or the implications of its expansion.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the complexity of theoretical models like superstring theory and M-theory, noting their lack of empirical support. The discussion also reflects varying levels of familiarity with the subject matter, which may affect the interpretation of the proposed theories.

chandubaba
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Is there any end to the sky?Why do we think that if the universe is expanding then it had exploded from a single object?Why not think there is some extra force outside this universe making it expand?Can anybody imagine what the end of the sky or space would be like(may be a beginning of a space where time doesn't move neither front nor back).Is there any research going on in this context?
 
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chandubaba said:
Is there any end to the sky?Why do we think that if the universe is expanding then it had exploded from a single object?Why not think there is some extra force outside this universe making it expand?Can anybody imagine what the end of the sky or space would be like(may be a beginning of a space where time doesn't move neither front nor back).Is there any research going on in this context?

Yes, there is. To my knowledge, there is a actually a lot of research going on in this area. For a interesting introduction to something related, the Elegant Universe provides a useful tool.

The Elegant Universe
 
chandubaba said:
Is there any research going on in this context?
An entire branch of science is devoted to it: cosmology.
 
EmilK said:
Yes, there is. To my knowledge, there is a actually a lot of research going on in this area. For a interesting introduction to something related, the Elegant Universe provides a useful tool.

The Elegant Universe

The Elegant Universe describes our universe in terms of super string theory and m-theory. Neither of those theoretical paradigms have developed any real evidences or predictions to empirically validate those theories as physical. M-Theory and Super string theory are extremely beautiful and elegant, however, they are only mathematical models with no tangible foundation in physical reality.

The best way for someone to begin understanding the universe is through General Theory of Relativity and The Big Bang Model.

http://map.gsfc.nasa.gov/m_uni/uni_101bb1.html
 
Last edited:
You may be interested in the section "So if the universe is not infinite, then what does it look like?" of http://astro.uchicago.edu/home/web/olinto/courses/A18200/nbower.htm page.
 
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complexPHILOSOPHY said:
The Elegant Universe

As much as I think it is one of the best books I've read on the subject, I don't think it's for the beginner. I've read years of stuff and it bruised my brain even the second time I read through it. I think there's a lot of stuff the OP nees to pick up before tEU will be comprehensible.
 
Our best guess suggests the universe probably has a slight curvature. Stephen Hawking referred to this in his description of a finite, but unbounded universe.
 

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