Universe Expansion: Is it Possible Beyond Light Speed?

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of the expanding universe and questions whether it can exceed the speed of light. It is explained that the expansion is an effect of space itself growing, not objects moving within it, and therefore there is no limit on the rate of spatial expansion.
  • #1
8143902066
3
0
I had seen somewhere that Universe is expanding with a speed greater than Light Speed... it really sounds absurd for me... As per my sense, light speed is the universal acceptable speed limit and we can't get back if we reach that speed until any other thing outside the object makes it to decelerate..

I mean every thing within the Object gets freezed in Time and So how is it possible for an expansion with such speed..?
 
Space news on Phys.org
  • #2
Expansion is not associated with a speed because it is an effect of space itself growing, not with things moving in space. Expansion therefore is given by a rate, measured in units of 1/time.

Since it is an effect of space growing and not of anything actually moving, the speed with which the distance between two objects grow can be greater than the speed of light. There is no such upper limit on the rate of spatial expansion.
 
  • Like
Likes 8143902066

1. How is the expansion of the universe measured?

The expansion of the universe is measured using a variety of methods, including observations of distant galaxies and their redshift, the cosmic microwave background radiation, and the brightness of supernovae. These measurements provide evidence that the universe is expanding at an accelerating rate.

2. Is it possible for the expansion of the universe to exceed the speed of light?

No, the expansion of the universe is not believed to exceed the speed of light. This is because the speed of light is the maximum speed at which anything can travel, according to Einstein's theory of relativity. However, the expansion of the universe is not limited by the speed of light as it is not a movement of objects within the universe, but rather a stretching of space itself.

3. What is the role of dark energy in the expansion of the universe?

Dark energy is a mysterious force that is believed to be responsible for the accelerating expansion of the universe. It is thought to make up about 70% of the total energy in the universe and is thought to counteract the force of gravity, causing the expansion of the universe to accelerate.

4. Can the expansion of the universe be reversed?

At this time, there is no evidence or theory that suggests the expansion of the universe can be reversed. The expansion is believed to continue indefinitely, with the rate of expansion possibly increasing over time due to the presence of dark energy.

5. How does the expansion of the universe affect the size and shape of the universe?

The expansion of the universe does not necessarily affect the size and shape of the universe. In fact, the expansion is happening on such a large scale that it is not noticeable on smaller scales, such as within galaxies and solar systems. However, the expansion does cause the distances between galaxies to increase, leading to a larger overall size of the observable universe. The shape of the universe is still a topic of debate and is believed to be either flat, open, or closed.

Similar threads

B Can the "creation" of space in the Universe affect the speed of light?
    • Cosmology
Replies
6
Views
482
I What if the Universe expands faster than the speed of light?
    • Cosmology
Replies
19
Views
2K
I Receding movement of a stopped object in an accelerating universe?
    • Cosmology
Replies
23
Views
1K
B How did expansion take 380,000 years to let light travel freely?
    • Cosmology
Replies
13
Views
1K
B Is it possible to see the history of space if it expands faster than light?
    • Cosmology
Replies
4
Views
1K
I Expansion-Collapse cycle in cosmological structures?
    • Cosmology
Replies
1
Views
1K
B Clarification on how old the Universe is
    • Cosmology
Replies
11
Views
2K
I Expansion of the Universe and the cosmological principle
    • Cosmology
Replies
9
Views
1K
B The accelerated expansion of the universe; redshift and time/distance
    • Cosmology
Replies
3
Views
2K
I Mining the Universe's expansion?
    • Cosmology
Replies
25
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top