Rocky Kolb's top 10 Questions about the Universe

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Rocky Kolb, a cosmologist and professor, presents ten intriguing questions about the universe, including topics like the nature of dark matter, the existence of intelligent life, and the concept of parallel universes. Key discussions revolve around the ambiguity of terms like "here" and "elsewhere" in relation to intelligent life, as well as the interconnectedness of questions regarding the universe's structure. Participants express skepticism about the clarity and relevance of some questions, suggesting that foundational issues must be addressed first. Humor is evident in discussions about parallel parking in a perpendicular universe and the fate of the Chicago Cubs. Overall, the conversation highlights the complexity and philosophical nature of cosmological inquiries.
humanino
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Hi,

after hearing a lecture of his on Dark Matter/Energy, I visited Rocky (sometimes known as Edward W.) Kolb's home page[/color].
He is cosmologist at FNAL and professor at the University of Chicago. He has an interesting list of his top 10 Questions about the Universe.
  • 10. What came before the big bang?
  • 9. What is outside the Universe?
  • 8. Where is the center of the Universe?
  • 7. Is there intelligent life elsewhere?
  • 6. Is there intelligent life here?
  • 5. Is there a parallel Universe?
  • 4. Is there a perpendicular Universe?
  • 3. Can you parallel park in a perpendicular Universe?
  • 2. Will the Cubs win the series before the end of time?
  • 1. Are we responsible for this on the final exam?
 
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humanino said:
6. Is there intelligent life here?

Going by the SETI definition that intelligent life would transmit a signal, then No.
 
Parallel parking in a perpendicular universe sounds like it would be regular parking in this universe.
 
Math Jeans said:
Parallel parking in a perpendicular universe sounds like it would be regular parking in this universe.

I've observed enough drivers in my life to know that there's no such thing as 'regular' parking.
 
humanino said:
2. Will the Cubs win the series before the end of time?

The Red Sox won the series. Twice. This means we are already in a parallel universe.
 
10. What came before the big bang?

The big fuse?

A hypersurface? That is the only answer that I've ever heard that is actually an answer.
 
humanino said:
Hi,

after hearing a lecture of his on Dark Matter/Energy, I visited Rocky (sometimes known as Edward W.) Kolb's home page[/color].
He is cosmologist at FNAL and professor at the University of Chicago. He has an interesting list of his top 10 Questions about the Universe.

Aren't questions 9, 5 and 4 the same ones ?

Question 3 can only be asked if the above questions are solved, IMO...

Concerning questions 7 and 6 : define "here" and "elsewhere". I hope this does not mean "inside and outside our universe". If so, this question also follows the logic of question 3.

This is exactly why i don't like such kind of questions : first of all, we need to establish wether there is a problem in the first place.
Just my 2 $

marlon
 
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