The researchers have been intriguing by the question that is universe infinite? form centuries and also reshaping our understanding of existence and cosmos. As consequences of both past theories and future variations in cosmological models are contented by the researchers and educationists. The profound mysteries surrounding the universes are examined in this article. This article also provides an insight into emerging theories, by which our perspective is redefined and also provoking our curiosity about its vastness. Cosmic enigma and its significance for science and education are also unravelled.
Since big bang 13.8 billion years ago, universe is broadening and incorporates all space, time, matter, and energy. Ordinary matter forms only 4.84% mass, while most mass is dark matter and dark energy. Only about 93 billion light years is visible diameter. The existence of multiverse, is explored by many theories. As universe is defined as everything so nothing is beyond or largely than the universe, either it’s finite or infinite.
Shape of Universe
The shape of Universe enfolds it geometric deviation and global topology. The observable universe is spatially flat as indicated by intrinsic geometry, explored by curvature. While, there is an uncertainty in topology. Universe is isotropic and homogeneous and is expanding about 46 billion light years, as ongoing testimony suggests. Measurements indicate that curvature can be zero, negative or positive. As the inclination of the universe is zero so it is said spatially flat. Intricate models are required to swiftly grasp the geometric configuration of universe because global structure can’t be determined by local geometry alone. Either universe is finite or infinite is also incorporated in it.
Finite Universe: what’s beyond the edge?
Many physicists and researchers are the supporters of the finiteness of universe. But query is that if universe is finite then what’s outside of its boundaries.
The theories relevant to what could be past the universe?
Multiverse; infinite bubble theory
If it is true that universe is finite the bubble theory suggests that our universe may be bubble of space administered by specific physical laws. This theory also gives possibility of other bubbles’ existence under different laws. Big Bang events are potentially led by it, upon contact.
A Higher- Dimensional Construct / “Dark flow” structures
This theory also suggests that universe is finite and tries to answer the question what’s beyond the edge of universe? These theories incorporate;
Higher Dimensional Construct: A Higher- Dimensional space, beyond our insight, may include our 3D universe in it.
Dark Flow Structures: Out of our universe unseen force or structures are indicated due to strong pull in some regions.
Combination of Both: Higher Dimensional Construct may include dark flow, we are unable to examine its completely.
We are inside Black Hole
Theoretical physicists Nikodem Poplowski gave suggestion that our universe may be a smaller part of a larger universe and was engulfed by a black hole to lead the Big Bang. We might be inside a black hole. intriguing. It implies that unique universes are hosted in black holes and a wide range of proto- universes is formed. Limitless possibilities are opened, hereby.
Is Universe Infinite?
The nature of space and its potential infinitude are discussed by experts from various fields. Our all advancements in technology is still unable to solve the universe inflation. But other scientists like Sam Baron and Kevin Orrman-Rossiter believe the finiteness of the universe, as evidenced by observations. As the universe visible, is vast but not infinite because limited by Big Bang 13.8 billion years ago. This evidences that light from the past our observable bubble hasn’t reached us till now. The universe is flat as explored by telescopes like COBE, WMAP, and indicated by Planck. But it is unable to trap the mystery of infiniteness of the universe.
Similarly, finite age of the universe is suggested by Edwin Hubble’s discoveries and also answered the question; why sky is dark at night? As general theory of relativity says that space-time is curved due to gravity, introducing the finite and unbounded universe which is a challenge to classical notions of geometry and space. Either universe is finite or infinite? Is still unsolved. Because current theories give evidence for finite and unbounded universe. It means universe is with no boundaries while we can observe only a small part, approximately 46.1 billion light-years in radius. As we can observe a little fraction of the universe.
So, existence of an infinite universe, beyond the limits of our observations, is believed by some scientists. But mystery about the nature of universe’ infiniteness is still unsolved and is under debates in cosmology by researchers.
Will we exist again
If endless nature of universe exists, then there is a possibility of reoccurrence of our existence. But actual conditions required for such reoccurrence are sophisticated and risky. The profound query in cosmology and philosophy is that either nature of existence is limited or endless. That’s while, it’s a multifaceted concept that we might exist again elsewhere in eternal cosmos. Due to our current understanding of laws of physics and structure of universe, it stays ambiguous. Every possible configuration may exist again somewhere in an infinite universe but because of the nature of probability and variation, the reoccurrence of individuals is not guaranteed.
In this article, the question of either universe is finite or infinite is explained in plain words. If universe is limited then what’s beyond the limits? There are many theories that supports the idea of finiteness of the universe like bubble theory, inside a black hole etc. But as universe is defined as everything trapped inside it so nothing can stay outside the universe and nothing is larger than the universe. So, universe has no boundaries. The nature of space and its potential infinitude are discussed by experts from various fields.
Our all advancements in technology are still unable to solve the universe inflation. As the universe visible, is vast but not infinite because limited by Big Bang 13.8 billion years ago. The universe is flat as explored by telescopes like COBE, WMAP, and indicated by Planck. But it is unable to trap the mystery of infiniteness of the universe. Either universe is finite or infinite? Is still unsolved. Because current theories give evidence for finite and unbounded universe. It means universe is with no boundaries while we can observe only a small part, approximately 46.1 billion light-years in radius. As we can observe a little fraction of the universe.
So, existence of an infinite universe, beyond the limits of our observations, is believed by some scientists. But mystery about the nature of universe’ infiniteness is still unsolved and is under debates in cosmology by researchers. If universe is infinite then there is a possibility of repetition of events.
By
Zeenat Mushtaque, Master of philosophy in Solid State Physics
Dr. Abid Hussain Nawaz, Ph.D. & Post Doc
Muhammad Mudassir, MPhil Scholar
