A general comparison of possible configuations for the Universe.

[Seeker725]

Hello All!

 

I'm curious as to what you folks think the general nature of the Universe is like. Below I've listed some possible configurations.

Pick your fave and if you so choose, explain why. If you have another that I didn't consider...Throw it in! Thanks.

 

Position 1.

 

If space were infinite there would be an infinite amount of space between particles. We do not observe this. If the amount of matter in the universe were infinite there would be no space between particles. We do not observe this either. Therefore the universe is not infinite. All that is is what we can be causally connected with, a large but finite amount of material that will continue to evolve in time.

 

Position 2.

 

The counter argument to Position 1 goes as follows...If the universe is analogous to and is represented as a number line where the whole numbers are infinite and we choose to represent space as the even nunbers and choose to represent matter/energy as the odd numbers, then both sets are infinite but there is obviously room for more complex numbers in between them. This position means the universe is/could be infinite. There is no limit to the amount of material to which we can be causally connected into the furture.

 

Position 3.

 

The Universe may be infinite but the observable universe is finite and we are separated from observing the infinity of the Universe by an event horizon. The true magnitude of the Universe is inherently unknowable and greatly resembles position 1.

 

 

Position 4a.

 

The radius of our observable universe overlaps with distant observers. We see and are causally connected to objects that they cannot see and are not causally connected to. And likewise they see and are causally connected to objects and observers that we cannot see or be causally connected to. After a finite amount of these linked observer radii, eventually we are observed "from the other direction".

 

Position 4b.

 

Same as 4a but we are never observed from "the other direction".

[elas]

Position 1.

 

If space were infinite there would be an infinite amount of space between particles. We do not observe this. If the amount of matter in the universe were infinite there would be no space between particles. We do not observe this either. Therefore the universe is not infinite. All that is is what we can be causally connected with, a large but finite amount of material that will continue to evolve in time.

 

This depends on your view of particles.

Astronomical bodies are described in terms that assume that their Gravity fields are not part of the whole but, if the G fields are included in the whole structure then there are no gaps between astronomical bodies. Likewise with particles where we observe the point like nucleus but regard the force field as external to the particle. Include the force field within the particle and there is no gap between particles. Then it can be shown that infinity is a particle field where the number of particles is both infinite and constant. All that we observe is simply different states of a single elementary particle struucture. (i.e. there are no gaps in infinity).

Edited March 24, 2012 by elas