Is There a Correct Way to View the Universe?

[MartinJH]

I again apologise if this is in the incorrect section and it sounds a dull question.
I've just thought to myself about the universe and how we view it I suppose in the fashion we do now but how do we know the way we view it is the 'correct' way up i.e. not upside down.

How would we determine whether its the correct way up, relative to what?

Does it really matter?

Have I missed something lol.

 

[mathman]

I have never seen the term up or down in reference to our view of the universe. Usually the top of a picture (milky way, etc.) is determined by the Earth's north pole.

 

[MartinJH]

I didn't like to use that term either but with my limited knowledge of words that was all I could think of :).

Edit: So you're saying we can relax on the first question because of the use of the poles as a reference.

I think that's a good point you've made.

 

[phinds]

I don't think the concept of "upside down" has any meaning in this context. There is no up or down to our OU. As mathman said, we use the Earth's north pole as a convention, but that's just so we can all have some reference point in talking about pictures of the U, it has no attached physical meaning.

 

[HallsofIvy]

Of course, if you are looking at the universe through a Newtonian reflecting telescope, then it is "upside down". Is that what you mean?