What Happens to a Stationary Bowling Ball in an Expanding Universe?

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In an expanding universe, a truly stationary bowling ball cannot exist due to the principle that there is no absolute state of rest, as stated by Einstein. All motion is relative, meaning that what is considered stationary depends on the chosen reference frame, such as pulsars or cosmic microwave background radiation. While one can define themselves as stationary relative to certain objects, this is not an absolute measure. Ultimately, the discussion highlights that in practical terms, a bowling ball left on a rack would remain largely unchanged. The concept of motion is inherently relative, making the idea of a stationary object complex.
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what would happen to a bowling ball if it were to remain truly stationary in a region of space in an expanding universe? assume the experiment will compensate any effect of gravity.
 
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The problem is, there is no such thing as 'truly stationary'. Einstein states that there is no absolute state of rest--no privileged reference frames. Hence, everything in the universe is in motion, relative to something else.
 
...and everything in the universe is also at rest.
 
"no privileged reference frames"

I believe we could use lots of things in the universe for reference. Pulsars, background microwave radiation, etc. and as far as stationary, i do mean relative to our motion. we do know how fast our solar system is traveling as well as our galaxy.
 
DARKSYDE said:
I believe we could use lots of things in the universe for reference. Pulsars, background microwave radiation, etc.
Absolutely - you can use anything you want. I prefer to always define myself as stationary. It's usually easier that way. And it makes me feel special!
and as far as stationary, i do mean relative to our motion. we do know how fast our solar system is traveling as well as our galaxy.
We know how fast our solar system is traveling with respect to some objects and vice versa: we know how fast they are traveling relative to us. Either can be considered moving or stationary and neither is an absolute or "priveleged" selection. All - ALL motion is relative.

So to answer your intial question, you can just go to a bowling alley and have a look at what the bowling balls on the racks are doing! Not much of anything, I suspect...
 
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UC Berkely, December 16, 2025 https://news.berkeley.edu/2025/12/16/whats-powering-these-mysterious-bright-blue-cosmic-flashes-astronomers-find-a-clue/ AT 2024wpp, a luminous fast blue optical transient, or LFBOT, is the bright blue spot at the upper right edge of its host galaxy, which is 1.1 billion light-years from Earth in (or near) a galaxy far, far away. Such objects are very bright (obiously) and very energetic. The article indicates that AT 2024wpp had a peak luminosity of 2-4 x...

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