What do you see at the edge of the universe?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the concept of the edge of the universe, particularly in the context of whether the universe is finite or infinite. Participants explore what one might observe at the extreme edge, considering both theoretical implications and observational limits.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that if the universe is finite, there must be a farthest object or place at its edge, leading to questions about what one would see from that location.
  • Others argue that a finite universe does not necessarily imply the existence of an edge, suggesting that the concept of an edge may not apply.
  • A participant reiterates that the universe has no center or edge, indicating a belief in a more complex structure of the universe.
  • It is noted that at the 'edge' of the observable universe, visibility is limited by the age of the universe and the finite speed of light, meaning the observable distance is contingent on when and where one is observing.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express multiple competing views regarding the existence of an edge to the universe, with no consensus reached on the matter.

Contextual Notes

The discussion involves assumptions about the nature of the universe, including its finiteness or infiniteness, and the implications of light speed on observation, which remain unresolved.

thetexan
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If the universe is finite then there must be some farthest object or farthest place at the extreme edge of the universe. If that is true and you are standing at that place what would you see? Would you see stars in one direction and black emptiness in the other?

tex
 
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thetexan said:
If the universe is finite then there must be some farthest object or farthest place at the extreme edge of the universe. If that is true and you are standing at that place what would you see? Would you see stars in one direction and black emptiness in the other?

tex
Finite doesn't mean there must be an edge.

Prof. Leonard Susskind explains it well in this lecture:
Start around 1h20'.

 
You've asked these types of questions before. The answer hasn't changed: the universe has no center or edge.
 
At the 'edge' of our observable universe you would only be able to see as far as the age of the universe due to the finite speed of light. So, the distance to the 'edge' of the observable universe is always determined by its age wherever/whenever you happen to be observing it.
 
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