What is the Shape of the Universe?

In summary: This is a rather generic behavior and is described by a simple formula.In summary, the conversation discusses the three possible shapes of the universe - spherical, flat, or hyperbolic - and the implications of each shape on the expansion and eventual fate of the universe. The current model used by cosmologists allows for a flat and accelerating universe, contradicting previous beliefs. The conversation concludes that the shape of the universe cannot be determined based on observations of redshifts and blueshifts, and suggests further reading on the topic.
  • #1
JEMZ000
2
0
I know how to figure out the shape of the universe. There are three shapes the universe could be. Spherical, flat, or hyperbolic. If it it spherical the universe will someday colapse in on itself. It is not expanding fast enough to overcome gravity. It is slowing down if it is a sphere. If the universe is flat then it will expand forever just barely. It will stay a constant speed. If the universe is hyperbolic it will expand infinitly with no problem. It will increase in speed infinitly. Now picture a dagra of the universe. The point in which the universe was condesed befor the bigbang in the middle. We are on the left. Another galaxy is on the right. any shape the universe is, there would be a massive redshift. Now there is another galaxy farther to the left then us. If the universe was spherical and decelerating we would see a blueshift. If it was flat we wuld see no shift and if the universe was hyperbolic we would see a red shift. It would be the same if there was a galaxy in between us and the point of the bigbang. So that means if we can find any blueshifts, we live in a spherical universe. If we find galaxie farter away the say Andromeda that have no shift then we live in a flat universe. And finally If we only can find redshifts there is a good possibility that we live in a hyperbolic universe.
 
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  • #2
JEMZ000 said:
There are three shapes the universe could be. Spherical, flat, or hyperbolic. If it it spherical the universe will someday colapse in on itself. It is not expanding fast enough to overcome gravity. It is slowing down if it is a sphere.

No.
That is what people would often say before 1998.
You still see that on some websites.
The current model that cosmologists use can have closed (hyperspherical) space and still keep expanding forever.

If the universe is flat then it will expand forever just barely. It will stay a constant speed.

No. You need to study some up-to-date material.
The current model that cosmologists use (after 1998) has the possibility to be spatially flat and expand at an accelerating rate.
In fact this is the most common version of the model---spatial flatness and accelerating expansion.

If the universe was spherical and decelerating we would see a blueshift. If it was flat we wuld see no shift and if the universe was hyperbolic we would see a red shift. It would be the same if there was a galaxy in between us and the point of the bigbang. So that means if we can find any blueshifts, we live in a spherical universe. If we find galaxie farter away the say Andromeda that have no shift then we live in a flat universe.

Unfortunately this does not make sense. The reality is not as simple as you think it is.
Maybe someone here can suggest an online book for you to read, to learn the basics.
 
  • #3
Perhaps more to the point, barring some extremely unlikely set of circumstances, the way our universe will expand from here on out will make it so that the effect of curvature diminishes with time, so that it will become asymptotically flatter and flatter.
 

1. What is the shape of the Universe?

The shape of the Universe is a difficult concept to grasp since it is a three-dimensional space. However, based on current scientific theories and observations, the Universe is thought to have a flat or slightly curved shape.

2. How do scientists determine the shape of the Universe?

Scientists determine the shape of the Universe through a combination of observations and mathematical models. By studying the cosmic microwave background radiation, the distribution of galaxies, and the curvature of space-time, scientists can infer the shape of the Universe.

3. Is the Universe infinite or finite?

The Universe is most likely infinite in size. This means that it has no boundaries or edges and goes on forever. However, the observable Universe is finite, as we are limited by the speed of light and can only see a certain distance into space.

4. What does the shape of the Universe tell us about its future?

The shape of the Universe can provide insight into its future. If the Universe is flat, it will continue to expand at an accelerating rate. If it is curved, it may eventually stop expanding and collapse in on itself. However, the exact fate of the Universe is still unknown and is an active area of research.

5. Are there different theories about the shape of the Universe?

Yes, there are different theories about the shape of the Universe, such as the flat, open, and closed models. These theories are based on different assumptions about the amount of matter and energy in the Universe and how they affect its curvature. Scientific observations and data continue to help refine and support these theories.

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