Is Space Infinite? Examining the Big Bang Theory and the Curvature of Spacetime

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of whether space is infinite, particularly in the context of the Big Bang theory and the curvature of spacetime. Participants explore the implications of measuring curvature and how it relates to the nature of the universe.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification, Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that attempts to measure the curvature of space have not been successful, implying that space may extend infinitely.
  • Others argue that efforts to measure the curvature of spacetime have been quite successful, indicating a flat geometry within a margin of error of less than 3%.
  • A participant clarifies that a flat FLRW spacetime does not equate to a Minkowski spacetime, noting that the former supports the Big Bang theory and observed cosmological redshift, while the latter does not.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the success of measuring curvature and its implications for the nature of space and the Big Bang theory. No consensus is reached regarding the existence or implications of curvature in spacetime.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the definitions of curvature and the implications of different spacetime models. The discussion also reflects varying interpretations of observational data related to cosmology.

arupel
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From what I read attempts to measure the curvature of space have not succeeded.
It would seem there may not be a curvature of space time.

If this is true then what may be implied is that space goes on forever.
If this is true how could the big bang theory, if it could, give a reasonable answer for this?
 
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arupel said:
From what I read attempts to measure the curvature of space have not succeeded.
It would seem there may not be a curvature of space time.

If this is true then what may be implied is that space goes on forever.
If this is true how could the big bang theory, if it could, give a reasonable answer for this?
This is not true. Efforts to measure the curvature of spacetime have be quite successful and to within a margin of error of something less than 3% (could be better now, but that's the last I remember) it is seen to be flat.
 
No curvature of space (a "flat" FLRW spacetime) is not the same as no curvature of spacetime (a Minkowski spacetime). The former implies a big bang and cosmological redshift (as observed). The latter does not.
 
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