Is the Universe Expanding Into Nothing?

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter quantumfireball
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Shape Universe
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the nature of the universe's expansion, specifically whether it is expanding into nothing. Participants agree that while the universe may be conceptualized as a three-dimensional sphere, it is not expanding into any external space. Current cosmological understanding suggests that the universe is flat, with its density near the critical density, which influences its expansion dynamics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of cosmological concepts such as "critical density" and "flat universe"
  • Familiarity with the geometry of the universe, specifically "three-dimensional spheres"
  • Basic knowledge of the Big Bang theory and cosmic expansion
  • Awareness of current cosmological models and theories
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "critical density in cosmology" to understand its implications on universe expansion
  • Explore "flat universe theory" and its significance in modern astrophysics
  • Study the "geometry of the universe" to grasp the implications of a three-dimensional sphere
  • Investigate current "cosmological models" that explain the universe's expansion
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, physicists, cosmologists, and anyone interested in the fundamental nature of the universe and its expansion dynamics.

quantumfireball
Messages
90
Reaction score
0
Is our universe a 3 sphere expanding in time into nothing?

OR

i
 
Space news on Phys.org
Well, there is no real answer to your question at present. Yes, the universe could be a sphere, but it would not be expanding into anything. Note that this is not the same as saying the sphere is expanding into nothing! However, currently we think that the density of the universe is very close to the critical density; that is, the universe is flat (as opposed to open or closed).
 

Similar threads

High School Do we 100% know what the geometry of the Universe is?
  • · Replies 38 ·
2
Replies
38
Views
6K
Undergrad Merely a thought of where the universe expands into
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
High School Expanding Universe -- What is it expanding into?
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
4K
High School Conflict between the conservation of matter and the rapid expansion of our universe
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
High School What Would You See at the Edge of the Expanding Universe?
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
High School Expansion of the Universe
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Undergrad Inflationary vs deflationary phase of Big Bang
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Undergrad What does it mean that symmetries do not hold globally?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Undergrad What if the Universe expands faster than the speed of light?
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
5K
High School How can an infinite universe expand?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K