Well, no-one really knows whether the universe in finite or infinite. We know that the observable universe is finite, and that is all that will directly affect us.
The universe is most probably not bounded.
I actually feel it's likely unbounded, too; but at times I struggle with just what is finite vs. infinite. Also, affects are affects, whether direct or indirect; the guy who piles into the car behind me & pushes him into me still wrecks my car. I also think there may be much of the 'unobservable' universe that may directly affect us; our senses are limited to the common 3 or 4 dimensions (however you see it), while the universe likely operates in 9 or 11 dimensions. Stuff happening there may directly affect us while we may not be able to directly observe it. Wonderfully strange place we inhabit, hey?
I actually feel it's likely unbounded, too; but at times I struggle with just what is finite vs. infinite. Also, affects are affects, whether direct or indirect; the guy who piles into the car behind me & pushes him into me still wrecks my car. I also think there may be much of the 'unobservable' universe that may directly affect us; our senses are limited to the common 3 or 4 dimensions (however you see it), while the universe likely operates in 9 or 11 dimensions. Stuff happening there may directly affect us while we may not be able to directly observe it. Wonderfully strange place we inhabit, hey?
Jeff.
Ahh, sorry, I presumed you knew that I was using the standard definition of the "observable universe." By that, I meant the region of 3 dimensional space that it is theoretically possible for us to observe; anything (lying in three dimensional space) outside that is the unobservable universe. This cannot affect us (since there are no causal paths from us to it; that is, there is an horizon there). However, if you believe in a theory with other dimensions, then these other dimensions can indeed affect us. In fact, in string theory, one explanation of inflation is by using branes in the extra (small) dimensions.
Ahh, sorry, I presumed you knew that I was using the standard definition of the "observable universe." By that, I meant the region of 3 dimensional space that it is theoretically possible for us to observe; anything (lying in three dimensional space) outside that is the unobservable universe. This cannot affect us (since there are no causal paths from us to it; that is, there is an horizon there). However, if you believe in a theory with other dimensions, then these other dimensions can indeed affect us. In fact, in string theory, one explanation of inflation is by using branes in the extra (small) dimensions.
Sorry for the delayed reply. I'vemoved from Houston to Denver (new job) & I'm commuting 60+ each way. Not much time for fun until I find a place & settle in. Ditto on your reply... we're on the same page now. I think a simpler explanation of inflation (I'm process oriented) is that it exploded into nothing; i.e. the 'fabric' of space-time was created behind the initial wavefront, therefore, the wavefront was not constrained by 'C' - the speed of light in the 'fabric', which I believe has a 'frictional' effect on it, like air, water, or glass.
How do you like the rocky mountain state. One of my favorite spots is Boulder and especially Estes Park. I have only visited once, but I would like to get back.
I like your thought, it's logical, not necessarily correct, but could be.
What is interesting is that ~ 4% of the universe is observable, and about 4% is luminious matter, not necessarily the same 4%.
Absolutely the best explaination I have ever seen regarding the belief in a finite universe.
I think just beyond that space closed sign of yours is the prenatal universe before it went bang without a noise. And beyond that obviously, was the emaculate conception.
Now if it can be further extrapolated that the exterior is synonymous to the absolute interior of all points in space, then the emaculate conception can be carried through the universe. Only to be imperfected by imperfect configurations over time - mutation.
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Linear Mode
