Expanding universe & relativity

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SUMMARY

The discussion confirms that there is a general consensus among physicists that space can expand faster than the speed of light, a phenomenon that does not violate the principles of relativity. This expansion allows for the distance between galaxies to increase at superluminal speeds without the galaxies themselves moving faster than light. The conversation emphasizes the distinction between the expansion of space and the movement of particles, clarifying common misconceptions about the nature of the universe's expansion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of general relativity
  • Familiarity with cosmological principles
  • Knowledge of superluminal expansion
  • Basic concepts of astrophysics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of superluminal expansion in cosmology
  • Study the principles of general relativity in detail
  • Explore the concept of cosmic inflation and its effects on the universe
  • Investigate the role of dark energy in the expansion of the universe
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, physicists, students of cosmology, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of the universe's expansion and the principles of relativity.

Denton
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As we know we see the universe at points in its infancy when the universe was born however for us to be here to see the light we must have either 1) Gone faster than the speed of light and 2) always existed here somehow.

Is there a general consensus that space actually expanded faster than the speed of light or is this so far still just theory? And how does this hold with relativity. (I see that space expanding > c while the particles themselves are < c would hold true)
 
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Yes, there is a general consensus. There's nothing controversial about it. See e.g. this recent thread about it. (It's the thread where I finally understood how this works). If you look in the astronomy and cosmology forums you'll find lots of other threads about it.

I don't follow your logic in the first paragraph. We have definitely not been here forever, and we haven't "gone" faster than the speed of light. The distance between two galaxies can increase faster than the speed of light without the galaxies moving at all.

I also have to add that physicists never use the phrase "just a theory" except as a joke.
 

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