What shape would the arcade classic Asteroids' universe be?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the geometric shape of the universe in the context of the arcade game Asteroids, where movement across one edge of the screen leads to reappearance on the opposite edge. Participants explore whether this universe could be represented as a sphere, torus, or cylinder, engaging with a classic mathematical puzzle.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the puzzle and proposes three potential shapes: sphere, torus, or cylinder.
  • Another participant expresses interest in the solution provided by the original poster.
  • A participant shares a link to their pictorial solution, indicating their interpretation of the problem.
  • Several participants comment on the cleverness of their own or others' answers, suggesting a mix of humor and frustration regarding the responses.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion does not reach a consensus on the correct shape of the universe as represented in the game, with various opinions and interpretations expressed without resolution.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference prior knowledge of the problem, which may influence their responses. The discussion includes personal reactions to the perceived cleverness of answers, indicating a subjective element to the interpretations.

Blue_Jaunte
Messages
21
Reaction score
0
I heard this puzzle on the MathFactor podcast (which I highly recommend).

If you don't know what Asteroids is (somehow), here's a youtube video:

If you fly off the right side, you reappear on the left side, and vice versa. If you fly past through the bottom, you reappear at the top, and vice versa.

So, if this were a Universe, what would the shape be?
a. A sphere
b. A torus
c. A cylinder

I made a pictorial solution which I'll post after a few people have responded.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
Too obvious, really undoubtedly simple.
 
Hello Blue_Jaunte,

This is a fairly classic example\problem and probably many people know the answer but I am interested in seeing the solution you came up with.
 
Correct.
 
Obviously my answer was too clever and has been wasted.
 
Borek said:
Obviously my answer was too clever and has been wasted.
Not everyone is into acrostics.
 
Borek said:
Obviously my answer was too clever and has been wasted.

Ha ha. Right over my head.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Shape of the universe, and a few other questions....
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Graduate Can the shape of the universe be inferred from the CMBR?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Undergrad What is the shape of the known universe?
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
6K
High School What would the universe be like with less mass and energy?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Graduate What shape would the Univers be if we could see all of it
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
High School The Paradox of 1 – 1 + 1 – 1 + 1 – 1 + …
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
High School What was the curvature of the early universe?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Graduate Can a Universe-Sized Rubber Pipe Exist in Two States at Once?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
High School My paraphrased explanation of the Twin Paradox
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
5K
Graduate Focus all of your ire on me, if you would
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K