Cosmology
Most recent answer: 10/22/2007
Q:
Cosmologists say that the whole Universe (not just the observable Universe) was a single point at its beginnings and had the size of a grapefruit after the inflation. As I understand this, it suggests the Universe was finite and closed. However, cosmologists also say that the Universe is now flat and infinite. How can a finite Universe become infinite?
- David (age 26)
- David (age 26)
A:
You’re right that this would be a serious problem if it were what cosmologists are saying, but it isn’t.
If I understand correctly, cosmologists do not say that the universe was ever a single point. Nor do they say that it is currently infinite. It is very close to flat, which does mean that it must extend mathematically well beyond the observable universe. However, current theory is consistent either with an infinite (open) or a finite (closed) universe. That property would not change, so only if it happens to be closed would there even be a possibility of it having ever been a point. It is generally assumed that when quantum mechanics is somehow integrated with General Relativity, the extrapolation back to a point will break down even for a closed universe. The object that was about grapefruit size after inflation is the currently visible universe, not the whole possibly infinite mathematical extension of it. It does seem, at least within the context of current theory, that the universe will expand forever, but that turns out to be a separate question.
Mike W.
If I understand correctly, cosmologists do not say that the universe was ever a single point. Nor do they say that it is currently infinite. It is very close to flat, which does mean that it must extend mathematically well beyond the observable universe. However, current theory is consistent either with an infinite (open) or a finite (closed) universe. That property would not change, so only if it happens to be closed would there even be a possibility of it having ever been a point. It is generally assumed that when quantum mechanics is somehow integrated with General Relativity, the extrapolation back to a point will break down even for a closed universe. The object that was about grapefruit size after inflation is the currently visible universe, not the whole possibly infinite mathematical extension of it. It does seem, at least within the context of current theory, that the universe will expand forever, but that turns out to be a separate question.
Mike W.
(published on 10/22/2007)