Space: Endless or Finite? The Surprising Impact on Shape and Structure

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of space, specifically whether it is infinite or finite, and the implications of each perspective on the shape and structure of the universe. Participants explore theoretical concepts, analogies, and the limitations of human understanding in relation to the universe's shape.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that if space is infinite, it does not have a shape, whereas if space is finite, it can take a shape.
  • One participant notes that the expanding universe creates a horizon beyond which we cannot observe, suggesting that the question of whether space ends may remain unanswered.
  • Analogies involving the surface of a balloon are discussed, with some arguing that while space may appear infinite from within, it could have a shape from an external perspective.
  • There is a contention regarding the analogy of space being like a ball, with some participants questioning the validity of this comparison and suggesting that it limits dimensional movement.
  • Another participant emphasizes the need for mathematical models to understand the universe's shape, arguing that common sense may not suffice in these discussions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of space and its shape, with no consensus reached. The discussion includes competing analogies and interpretations of dimensionality.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the limitations of human experience and understanding when discussing the universe's shape, highlighting the dependence on mathematical models and the challenges posed by the universe's expansion.

spaceends
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Does space go on forever,

or does space end?

There is a "big" difference, if any way you go space goes on forever or if any way you go space ends.

What is a "big" difference between those two ideas?

If space goes on forever any way you go, space does not have a shape.

If space ends any way you go, then space can take a shape.

Space can take a shape, if space ends.

There is another "big" difference whether space ends or not. Can you think of what that is?

You may tell people about this.

Robert Lavelle
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
Bear in mind that because our universe is expanding, it has a horizon beyond which we cannot see and will never be able to see. So it appears that we will never know the answer to your question.
 
Can you find the "end" of the surface of a balloon? Does a balloon have a shape?
 
Integral said:
Can you find the "end" of the surface of a balloon? Does a balloon have a shape?

I was just thinking of Carl Sagan when I read this post.

Space can indeed appear to go on forever from within, but still have a shape from the outside. Space can be curved into a 4th physical dimension but appear flat to us.
 
Integral said:
Can you find the "end" of the surface of a balloon? Does a balloon have a shape?

Where do you come up with the idea that the is like a ball and space is on the outside of it, that way you only move in 2 dimentions not three
 
spaceends said:
Where do you come up with the idea that the is like a ball and space is on the outside of it, that way you only move in 2 dimentions not three

And`if you wrap a 3d shape around a 4th, you can move in 3d. However anyone with three working braincells knows that that was an analogy. I detect you are either deliberately not getting it to be awkward. Or you are a troll.

Enjoy not being around for long.
 
The balloon is an analogy, our universe can have higher dimensional shape that we, stuck in 3d cannot sense.
Aren't you the one speculating about things which you have no practical basis for? I am attempting to show you that you may not have all the information necessary to make the claims you are making. Common sense means nothing in these matters, here on Earth we simply do not have the experiences necessary to logically understand the larger universe. To even think about the shape of the universe we must correlate our observations with a mathematical model. Have you used either?

It must be nice to imagine that you have full knowledge of the universe and that everything you observe from your kitchen table applies exactly.
 

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