What is beyond the edge of the universe?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of what lies beyond the edge of the universe, exploring various theories and interpretations related to the universe's expansion and boundaries. Participants express their thoughts on the implications of an infinite universe and the nature of existence beyond perceived limits.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the universe expands at the speed of light and theorizes that light interacts with dark matter to create a boundary of pure energy.
  • Another participant asserts that there is no edge to the universe, referencing a prevailing theory that suggests if one travels far enough in one direction, they would return to their starting point.
  • A different participant mentions that the concept of an edge is not supported by current theories, indicating that the universe is expanding but expressing uncertainty about the specifics of the expansion speed.
  • One participant challenges the idea of an infinite universe, arguing that it leads to contradictions and questioning what could exist beyond an edge that may not exist.
  • Another participant points out that by the definition of 'universe' as everything that exists, there cannot be anything outside of it, likening the question to what happens when one continues north after reaching the North Pole.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the existence of an edge to the universe, with some arguing against it while others propose theories involving boundaries. There is no consensus on the nature of the universe's expansion or what, if anything, exists beyond it.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty regarding the expansion speed of the universe, referencing the Hubble Constant but not providing detailed explanations or calculations. The discussion includes speculative ideas that are not universally accepted.

KoreanSniper0720
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Guys, what do you think is beyond the edge of the universe? There are a lot of theories, and I believe that the universe expands the same speed as light because if it goes any slower, it would meet. I think light interacts with dark matter to form a "boundary" of the universe in form of pure energy. Infinite universe makes no sense because then anything would be possible. BUT what would be beyond that edge?? What do you guys think?
 
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Welcome to PF!

Sorry, but there are no theories about what is beyond the edge of the universe because by far the prevailing theory holds that there is no edge. The simplest...mostly accurate... way to visualize it is that if you fly far enough in one direction you will eventually return to where you started.

We have a ton of threads on the subject in the cosmology section...where I'm moving this thread to...have a read of the Balloon Analogy thread at the top of the forum.
 
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According to actual theories there is no such thing as an edge of the universe.
It was proved quite some years ago (through doppler effect i think) that the universe is expanding, but I'm not really sure about the expansion speed; I'll have to check out.

Edit: didn't notice someone already answered, pardon ^^
 
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KoreanSniper0720 said:
Guys, what do you think is beyond the edge of the universe? There are a lot of theories, and I believe that the universe expands the same speed as light because if it goes any slower, it would meet. I think light interacts with dark matter to form a "boundary" of the universe in form of pure energy. Infinite universe makes no sense because then anything would be possible. BUT what would be beyond that edge?? What do you guys think?
'The Universe'. most used definition of the word is 'everything that exists'.
There cannot be something outside of it by that definition.
The question is similar to 'What happens if we go to North Pole, then continue to go North.'
 
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KoreanSniper0720 said:
Guys, what do you think is beyond the edge of the universe? There are a lot of theories, and I believe that the universe expands the same speed as light because if it goes any slower, it would meet. I think light interacts with dark matter to form a "boundary" of the universe in form of pure energy. Infinite universe makes no sense because then anything would be possible. BUT what would be beyond that edge?? What do you guys think?
I recommend the link in my signature
 
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Thread closed pending moderation.

Edit: several problematic posts have been removed and the thread will remain closed
 
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