Universe expanded faster than the speed of light during inflation

AI Thread Summary
The discussion clarifies that the universe's expansion during inflation exceeded the speed of light, but this does not violate the cosmic speed limit. The key distinction is that while nothing can move through space faster than light, space itself was expanding. In this context, no local region of space-time experienced speeds surpassing light; rather, it was the relative distance between far-separated points that resulted in apparent faster-than-light expansion. This phenomenon highlights the difference between the movement of objects through space and the expansion of space itself. Understanding this concept is crucial for grasping the nature of cosmic inflation.
travwg33
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How is it possible that the universe expanded faster than the speed of light during inflation when this is the "cosmic speed limit"?
 
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The speed-limit means that nothing (i.e. no information) can travel THROUGH SPACE faster than the speed of light. During inflation, space (more accurately space-time) ITSELF was expanding.

Another way to think about it is: in no local region of space-time, was anything moving faster than the speed of light. Only in comparing very distantly separated locations, was there a net motion greater than c.
 

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