Is Space Just a Magnified Illusion of a Fluid Universe?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the concept of whether space might be perceived as a magnified illusion of a fluid universe. Participants consider the implications of visual perception and the nature of the universe's expansion, drawing parallels between optical phenomena and cosmic observations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the way we perceive space could be analogous to zooming in and out with a camera, suggesting that our understanding of the universe's size may be flawed.
  • Others argue that the universe is expanding, a conclusion drawn from the General Theory of Relativity and confirmed by Edwin Hubble, but the cause of this expansion remains unknown.
  • A participant expresses confusion regarding the application of the Big Bang in the context of magnification, seeking clarification on the analogy.
  • One participant likens the magnification effect experienced underwater to a potential perception of the universe, suggesting that it could be much smaller than estimated.
  • Another participant shares a personal reflection on imagining trajectories in a Lorenz Attractor, indicating a sense of wonder about the universe.
  • Questions arise about the meaning of "magnified" in this context, highlighting the need for further clarification on the concept.
  • Participants express appreciation for the unique perspectives shared in the forum, indicating a collaborative and inspiring environment.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the nature of space or the implications of magnification. Multiple competing views and uncertainties remain regarding the interpretation of cosmic phenomena.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the assumptions made about visual perception and the nature of the universe, as well as unresolved questions about the definitions of terms like "magnified" and "fluid." These factors contribute to the complexity of the discussion.

soft_rain
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Could what we're looking at in space already be magnified, but we just don't realize it? I can take an ordinary camera and zoom out, then zoom in. The image moves and gets larger (the big bang?) or smaller. Just wondering if space is displaying this sort of behavior? I suppose it would take some outside manipulation to do this (as in the person operating the camera).
 
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The universe is expanding, but knowbody knows what is causing the expansion. The expanding was deduced as a consequence of the General Theory of Relativity (GTR) and later experimentally confirmed by Edwin Hubble. The expansion is only indirectly derived from GTR but knowbody knows what started it in the first place. Its just like nobody knows what caused the Big bang

Very good topic soft rain
 
soft_rain said:
I can take an ordinary camera and zoom out, then zoom in. The image moves and gets larger (the big bang?) or smaller.
i didn't understand ur application of big bang in this example...
 
varsha said:
i didn't understand ur application of big bang in this example...

A camera lens "expands" the image into a much larger or much smaller frame of reference. This seems like a most natural thing to be occurring in space as to what we actually are seeing. I don't believe the sizes of the universe that have been estimated. It could actually be very tiny.

Just like when you swim underwater, if you open your eyes under water, you get a magnification effect. Objects are bigger. I've heard new theories of the universe being "fluid". Maybe that is what is happening...
 
Last edited:
Sometimes I imagine myself riding a trajectory in the Lorenz Attractor and wondering . . . what an infinitely unfolding world all about me.:smile:
 
What do you mean by "magnified" here?
 
soft_rain said:
A camera lens "expands" the image into a much larger or much smaller frame of reference. This seems like a most natural thing to be occurring in space as to what we actually are seeing. I don't believe the sizes of the universe that have been estimated. It could actually be very tiny.

Just like when you swim underwater, if you open your eyes under water, you get a magnification effect. Objects are bigger. I've heard new theories of the universe being "fluid". Maybe that is what is happening...
u have a distinct way of thinking. i like it a lot. I'm glad i came across this forum. there r so many people i can be inspired by...:smile:
 

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