Shape of the Universe: Is it Infinite or Finite?

In summary, the consensus is that the universe as a whole is consistent with being infinite in extent or finite but very large based on the cosmological principle of homogeneity and isotropy. However, recent curvature measurements have narrowed down to a flat case, with a possible smallest radius of curvature estimated at 205 billion light years. The size of the universe may extend beyond the light cone due to the limitations of observation. The laws of physics are assumed to be uniform throughout the universe, but there is the possibility of different laws in causally disconnected regions. The possibility of a toroidal universe or a locally curved universe also adds to the uncertainty of the shape and size of our universe.
  • #36
TROU said:
Thank you for that summary and your politeness. I have more recently read that a proposed 'GUT' ('Subquantum Kinetics' 1994 - Paul A. LaViolette PhD.) does better than the SM 'expanding universe' theory on multiple cosmological tests when compared with the 'tired-light' hypothesis. Have you read this anywhere?
No. Which tests?
 
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  • #37
bapowell said:
No. Which tests?

bapowell said:
No. Which tests?
The Galaxy Number Count - Totani, "Near-infrared faint galaxies in the Subaru Deep Field".
The Tolman Galaxy Surface Brightness Test. Paper IV.
The "Galaxy Angular Separation vs Galaxy Cluster Redshift Graph" data taken from Hickson and Adams "evidence for cluster evolution".
The Hubble Diagram Test. data from Kristian, Sandage and Westphal.
 
  • #38
TROU said:
Thank you for that summary and your politeness. I have more recently read that a proposed 'GUT' ('Subquantum Kinetics' 1994 - Paul A. LaViolette PhD.) does better than the SM 'expanding universe' theory on multiple cosmological tests when compared with the 'tired-light' hypothesis. Have you read this anywhere?
The 'Tired light' hypothesis is generally no longer considered as a reasonable explanation for cosmological red shift.
http://www.astro.ucla.edu/~wright/tiredlit.htm
The currently most accepted model is that there is a 'Dark energy', causing the (accelerating) expansion.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lambda-CDM_model
We don't know what the energy is, but this model fits the observations, tired light does not.
 
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  • #39
TROU said:
The Galaxy Number Count - Totani, "Near-infrared faint galaxies in the Subaru Deep Field".
The Tolman Galaxy Surface Brightness Test. Paper IV.
The "Galaxy Angular Separation vs Galaxy Cluster Redshift Graph" data taken from Hickson and Adams "evidence for cluster evolution".
The Hubble Diagram Test. data from Kristian, Sandage and Westphal.
Links would be helpful, but I was able to find a few of these papers. None of them mention tired light or LaViolette's work. Can you provide references in which either of these two theories are shown to provide better fits to the data than the concordance LCDM model?
 
  • #40
TROU, your references appear to be an unvetted collection of popular press and journal publications of unqualified merit or relevance. Publication does not confer any measure of validity without peer review - i.e., concurrence by recognized experts in the field.
 
<h2>1. What is the current scientific consensus on the shape of the universe?</h2><p>As of now, the most widely accepted theory is that the universe is flat, meaning it has a finite but unbounded shape. This is supported by observations of the cosmic microwave background radiation and the distribution of galaxies in the universe.</p><h2>2. Is it possible for the universe to be infinite in size?</h2><p>While it is theoretically possible for the universe to be infinite in size, there is currently no evidence to support this idea. In fact, most models and observations suggest that the universe has a finite size and is expanding.</p><h2>3. How do scientists determine the shape of the universe?</h2><p>Scientists use a variety of methods and observations to determine the shape of the universe. This includes studying the cosmic microwave background radiation, the distribution of galaxies, and the behavior of light and gravity.</p><h2>4. Could the shape of the universe change over time?</h2><p>According to current theories, the shape of the universe is not expected to change over time. However, the expansion of the universe may cause the observable universe to appear to change shape as distant objects move further away from us.</p><h2>5. What implications does the shape of the universe have for our understanding of the cosmos?</h2><p>The shape of the universe has significant implications for our understanding of the cosmos. It can help us determine the age of the universe, the rate of its expansion, and the ultimate fate of the universe. It also provides insight into the fundamental laws of physics and the nature of space and time.</p>

1. What is the current scientific consensus on the shape of the universe?

As of now, the most widely accepted theory is that the universe is flat, meaning it has a finite but unbounded shape. This is supported by observations of the cosmic microwave background radiation and the distribution of galaxies in the universe.

2. Is it possible for the universe to be infinite in size?

While it is theoretically possible for the universe to be infinite in size, there is currently no evidence to support this idea. In fact, most models and observations suggest that the universe has a finite size and is expanding.

3. How do scientists determine the shape of the universe?

Scientists use a variety of methods and observations to determine the shape of the universe. This includes studying the cosmic microwave background radiation, the distribution of galaxies, and the behavior of light and gravity.

4. Could the shape of the universe change over time?

According to current theories, the shape of the universe is not expected to change over time. However, the expansion of the universe may cause the observable universe to appear to change shape as distant objects move further away from us.

5. What implications does the shape of the universe have for our understanding of the cosmos?

The shape of the universe has significant implications for our understanding of the cosmos. It can help us determine the age of the universe, the rate of its expansion, and the ultimate fate of the universe. It also provides insight into the fundamental laws of physics and the nature of space and time.

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