[Mindsmog]

We know the universe is expanding , but what is it expanding into? god that question really sends me round the bend lol ..

[Tormod]

Well, it dpes depend on what we define as the universe. Technically, it does not expand into anything, since the universe is "everything". What is outside does not exist.

However, if we talk about the *observable* universe, which is the part of our universe that we can see, it is expanding so that we see even more of the rest of the universe. From observations we know that the universe looks the same in all directions, so it is easy to assume that as the observable universe expands, we will see more of the same.

But if you ask what is outside ALL of our universe, there are still some options:

1) Like I said, nothing. Our universe is everything, so there is no "outside"
2) According to the "multiverse" theory, our universe is one of many. So outside our universe will be other universes.
3) Our universe is a bubble inside a larger universe (our Big Bang was a "local event") so it is expanding inside a larger universe where the laws of physics may be different than those in our own.

2) and 3) are rather speculative and, sadly, completely unprovable by today's standards. 1) used to be the accepted standard although these days I have a feeling that most cosmologists are starting to accept 2).

The reason for this is usually explained in something called "the anthropic principle" (google it for an explanation) - which is, to put it bluntly - ways to explain how a universe with living observers evolved.

Also, string theory predicts (okay, wrong word - "implies" might be better) that the Big Bang was not the beginning of time, and that the Big Bang did not grow out of a singularity. I guess that would be an argument for 3).

Am I making sense?

Tormod

[Mindsmog]

yes making prefect sense tormod thanks , you will have to forgive me if i dont make much sense its just that i am getting back into my old track of thinking so a little rusty .... but this forum is definately helping with that .

[OpenMind5]

Woow, i was taking a look at this old post of mine, and i have to laugh. My intellect has increased since then...I seemed soo innocent, and as tormod pointed out...crazy! LOL But i still have that question...crazy! The string theory is definety been somthin gthat i ahvespent time talking to my teachers about and even blowing their minds.

Op5

[C1ay]

A site that's fun to visit is The Land That Scale Forgot, Photoshop at it's best

[mother engine]

space etenal with a lot of crap scattered around in it. no big bang beginning, no collapsing end just expanding elements in endless space. opinion #664b.

[Tormod]

And it is important to realize that we can probably never know the answers to this.

[mother engine]

Originally Posted by Tormod

And it is important to realize that we can probably never know the answers to this.

i agree.

[orbsycli]

yeah, but it's always fun to look up and wonder.

[OpenMind5]

Yes, its kinda funny how we want to know so much, and we can make up as much stuff as we want to explan stuff, but half the time the only thing is....we may never know. Maybe my Great Great Great Grand kinds might....but me...All my questions will go un answerd.
I think this post is dead. IS there a way to send it to post heaven?

Op5