What is bigger than universe

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Exploring the Concept of What is Bigger Than the Universe

Defining the Universe: Size and Scope

The term "universe" has evolved over time. Historically, it referred to what we now call galactic systems or stellar systems. Today, the universe encompasses all observable phenomena, including everything that exists in the physical world1 2. The question of whether the universe is finite or infinite has intrigued scientists for centuries, with no definitive answer yet1 2.

Observable Universe: The Cosmic Horizon

The observable universe is defined by the distance light has traveled since the Big Bang, approximately 46 billion light-years. This distance marks the cosmic horizon, beyond which we cannot see7. The observable universe is vast, but it is only a fraction of the entire universe, which could be much larger or even infinite6 7.

The Multiverse Theory: Beyond Our Universe

The concept of the multiverse suggests that our universe is just one of many. According to quantum theory and string theory, there could be numerous universes with different physical laws and constants9. This collection of universes, often referred to as the multiverse or holocosm, vastly exceeds the size of our observable universe9.

The Large-Scale Structure of the Universe

The universe's large-scale structure includes galaxy clusters and other massive formations. These structures provide insights into the universe's expansion and evolution4. Theories suggest that similar structures could exist in other universes within the multiverse, each with its own unique properties3 4.

Finite vs. Infinite Universe: Current Theories

Current cosmological models propose that the universe could be finite but unbounded, meaning it wraps around itself in a higher-dimensional space. This concept allows for a universe that is finite in size but without edges, similar to the surface of a sphere8. Alternatively, the universe could be infinite, extending endlessly in all directions6 8.

Conclusion

While the observable universe is incredibly vast, theories like the multiverse suggest that it is just a small part of a much larger reality. Whether the universe is finite or infinite remains an open question, but the possibility of multiple universes expands our understanding of what might be bigger than the universe itself.

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THE SIZE OF THE UNIVERSE

Before we can discuss the size of the universe it is necessary to define exactly what we are talking about. Astronomers have in the past been somewhat loose in their use of the word "universe.'' About ten years ago one of the much-discussed topics of the day was the "theory of island universes" universes in the plural ! A universe in that discussion was what we now call a galactic system, a stellar system like our own. As I am using the word tonight, there is only one universe, which contains all these systems, and everything that can be observed and that we can think of as being observable, either now or in the future. The universe is the whole of all things that exist in the physical or outer world. The next question to be considered is : has the universe any size at all? This question, whether the universe is of finite size or infinite, has occupied the minds of some of the greatest of mankind ever since science was born. There exists a delightful little tract, written by Archimedes, the greatest of Greek mathematicians, about 200 b.c. It is called "On the Grains of Sand" and is cast in the form of a letter addressed to the king of Syracuse. It begins as follows : "There are those who think, King Gelo, that the number of grains of sand is infinite ; that is, the grains of sand not only in the environs of Syracuse and the rest of Sicily, but also in all parts of the world whether inhabited or uninhabited. Others think that it is not infinite, but that no number can be named so large that it would exceed the said number of grains of sand. It appears that those who think so would still less be able to imagine

1932·3citations·W. Sitter·Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific

Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific ··DOI

THE SIZE OF THE UNIVERSE

Before we can discuss the size of the universe it is necessary to define exactly what we are talking about. Astronomers have in the past been somewhat loose in their use of the word “universe.” About ten years ago one of the much-discussed topics of the day was the “theory of island universes”—universes in the plural! A universe in that discussion was what we now call a galactic system, a stellar system like our own. As I aril using the word tonight, there is only one universe, which contains all these systems, and everything that can be observed and that we can think of as being observable, either now or in the future. The universe is the whole of all things that exist in the physical or outer world. The next question to be considered is : has the universe any size at all? This question, whether the universe is of finite size or infinite, has occupied the minds of some of the greatest of mankind ever since science was born. There exists a delightful little tract, written by Archimedes, the greatest of Greek mathematicians, about 200 B.c. It is called “On the Grains of Sand” and is cast in the form of a letter addressed to the king of Syracuse. It begins as follows : “There are those who think, King Gelo, that the number of grains of sand is infinite ; that is, the grains of sand not only in the environs of Syracuse and the rest of Sicily, but also in all parts of the world whether inhabited or uninhabited. Others think that it is not infinite, but that no number can be named so large that it would exceed the said number of grains of sand. It appears that those who think so would still less be able to imagine

1932·0citations·W. de Sitter·Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific

Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific ··DOI

The Classification of Universes

This paper proposes a classification of universes, estimating the range of sizes supporting life as we know it, and suggests that theories of the multiverse may eventually be scientifically viable.

2004·17citations·J. Bjorken·Physical Review D

Physical Review D ··DOI

The Large-Scale Structure of the Universe

This edition of The Large-Scale Structure of the Universe provides an essential introduction to cosmic evolution, focusing on galaxy clusters and their evolution in an expanding universe.

Highly Cited

2020·2848citations·P. Peebles

·DOI

About the Universe

The size of the classical electron can be used to explain the very big size of the Universe, as it can be used to explain the smallest concentration of matter in Nature.

2017·18citations·A. F. Palacios·Open Access Library Journal

Open Access Library Journal ··DOI

Is the Universe infinite or is it just really big

The fundamental domain of the universe must be at least 0.4 times the diameter of the observable universe, limiting compact cosmologies based on hexagonal prisms.

1998·44citations·J. Levin et al.·Physical Review D

Physical Review D ··DOI

Is the universe infinite or just very big

The cosmic horizon is about 46 billion light-years, and it's a three-dimensional equivalent of the 2D-horizon people see on Earth.

2015·0citations·M. Campbell·New Scientist

New Scientist ··DOI

Cosmology: A circumscribed Universe

The Universe may be smaller than we thought, with a low density allowing it to be wrapped round on itself, potentially allowing us to look at the back of our own heads.

1998·2citations·M. Fukugita·Nature

Nature ··DOI

Our Place in the Vast Universe

Human beings are a small part of the universe, but may still be a significant part in other ways.

2007·3citations·D. Page

·DOI

Cosmological Enigmas: Pulsars, Quasars, and Other Deep-Space Questions

Mark Kidger explores the universe's mysteries, from quasars to alien contact, and explores the big bang theory to the sky's dark night.

2007·9citations·M. Kidger

·DOI

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