Why is my computer not moving away from me in an expanding universe?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Andy_Electron
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Expanding Universe
AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the question of why objects like a computer do not appear to move away from the observer in an expanding universe, despite galaxies being redshifted. The user, an A Level physics student, seeks clarification on whether their computer is moving away slowly or if they misunderstand the concept of cosmic expansion. Responses indicate that local gravitational forces and the scale of the universe mean that everyday objects are not affected by cosmic expansion in the same way as distant galaxies. The user acknowledges previous discussions on the topic and expresses gratitude for the assistance. Understanding the difference between local and cosmic scales is key to grasping this concept.
Andy_Electron
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Hi

Im new here so please be kind :smile: .
I just wondered, since we live in an "expanding" universe, why is my computer not moving away from me as i type this message? Light from most of the stars/galaxies in the sky is redshifted so they are moving away from me (or so I am told), why not my computer? Is it because my computer is actually moving away from me, but just very slowly or have a completely missed the point and not understood the concept of an expanding universe (i think this is probably the case).
Just so you know how to gauge your response, I am an A Level student (UK) and I am going to University this year to study Physics.

Thanks for any help you can give me and remember I am new so don't be too harsh when you tell me i don't have a clue about Physics :smile: .

Andy
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
Thankyou that has helped me loads.
Sorry, i really should have searched before posting.

Thanks for your response anyway :smile:
 
No prob. :smile:
 
This thread is dedicated to the beauty and awesomeness of our Universe. If you feel like it, please share video clips and photos (or nice animations) of space and objects in space in this thread. Your posts, clips and photos may by all means include scientific information; that does not make it less beautiful to me (n.b. the posts must of course comply with the PF guidelines, i.e. regarding science, only mainstream science is allowed, fringe/pseudoscience is not allowed). n.b. I start this...
Asteroid, Data - 1.2% risk of an impact on December 22, 2032. The estimated diameter is 55 m and an impact would likely release an energy of 8 megatons of TNT equivalent, although these numbers have a large uncertainty - it could also be 1 or 100 megatons. Currently the object has level 3 on the Torino scale, the second-highest ever (after Apophis) and only the third object to exceed level 1. Most likely it will miss, and if it hits then most likely it'll hit an ocean and be harmless, but...
Back
Top