High School Geometries of the Universe: What are the Most Accepted Models?

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SUMMARY

The most widely accepted models of the universe's geometry include Euclidean geometry, which describes flat space, and non-Euclidean geometries such as elliptical geometry (Riemann geometry), which accounts for curved space. The current best-fit model for the universe's spacetime geometry is an expanding universe characterized by flat spatial slices of constant comoving time. While measurements indicate a high probability of flat geometry, there remains a small possibility that the spatial geometry could be a 3-sphere or an open "3-hyperbolic" geometry, both with an extremely large radius of curvature.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Euclidean geometry principles
  • Familiarity with non-Euclidean geometries, specifically Riemann geometry
  • Knowledge of cosmological models and spacetime concepts
  • Basic grasp of measurements in cosmology and their implications
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of flat vs. curved geometries in cosmology
  • Study the principles of Riemann geometry and its applications in physics
  • Explore the concept of comoving time in cosmological models
  • Investigate current measurement techniques in cosmology and their accuracy
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Astronomers, physicists, cosmologists, and anyone interested in understanding the geometric models that describe the universe.

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What are the most widely accepted geometries of the universe?
 
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Euclidean geometry (that's the one where we learn about area of shapes, sectors, etc.). Then you have the non-Euclidean geometries like elliptical geometry (Riemann geometry), which describes curved space.
 
Allen_Wolf said:
What are the most widely accepted geometries of the universe?

I'm not sure what you mean by this. We have one current best-fit model for the spacetime geometry of the universe: it's an expanding universe with spatial slices of constant comoving time that are flat (Euclidean). The error bars in measurements still allow a small chance that the spatial geometry of slices of constant comoving time is a 3-sphere or an open "3-hyperbolic" geometry, either way with an extremely large radius of curvature (i.e., very close to flat). Is that what you're asking about?
 

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