The Universe: Finite or Infinite

The Question is raised…Again.

Report by

R.Adm. RM Wey

OSR: SFS – SFC

In the debate over the disposition of the universe, of whether it is a finite or an infinite one, research conducted under the auspices of the Office of Scientific Research has uncovered a rather controversial possibility; That being, a universe that IS finite, but merely gives the ‘Illusion’ of…infinity.

In reality, what we ‘see’ is the universe as it was [constrained by its age and the speed of light], and even that, may not be real. The very concept of the universe, i.e., whether it is Euclidean, spherical, or hyperbolic [each with its own set of rules] is not yet decided. To determine this, astronomers have been measuring the density of matter and energy therein.

Thus far, it is a toss up between the Euclidean and the hyperbolic, for at first glance, the universe stretches on forever. However, the possibility exists that it is spherical in nature, but so large that the observable part we ‘see’ appears Euclidean, just as a small patch of the Earth’s surface appears flat. Now there are many aspects to the finite view of the universe that are appealing. The first is that it is easily grasped as a familiar. I.e., it is a comfortable state, based on the premise that…an infinite galaxy would have infinite inertia, nothing would ever move [where the amount of inertia a body experiences is proportional to the total amount of matter in the universe].

There is also the work being done in quantum cosmology, in which some of the theories dealing with how the universe sprang out of the void suggest a low-volume [or finite] universe is more probable. When one considers that an infinite universe, having infinite energy, would have no quantum fluctuations, which could muster the needed energy. In effect, an infinite universe would have a zero probability of coming into existence.

However, a finite universe has its share of difficulties as well. The first being, if Euclidean, and therefore flat, where are the edges and what happens when you reach one? One answer was the Torus, or doughnut shaped space. Referred to as: The Euclidean 2-torus, it is, in effect, two-dimensional space that is connected at its ends. I.e., approaching one edge and appearing to slip off, one appears on the ‘opposite’ edge. An Euclidean 3-torus is much the same, but a cube, rather than a square.

Another such possibility is the hyperbolae; Similar to a 2-torus, but based on an octagon with its opposite pairs of edges serving to connect the whole. This, in effect would resemble a two-holed pretzel. Observations made from the center of such an object would show a star or galaxy…seen from eight ‘different’ directions. Thus, in effect, giving the appearance of infinity, where it is really finite.

This raises a question as to whether, when observing an object [or indeed several] in the night sky, whether one is ‘seeing’ the object…or merely its reflection. Current research is being conducted, which may aid in that determination.

It is an age-old quest; to know how the universe began, and whether or not it will go on forever, or one day, collapses in upon itself. Science, in the late twentieth century, partially answered the former; perhaps, we will one day have an answer to the latter.

Alone in the Universe

If infinite, the expansion of the

Universe could leave us stranded

report by:

F.Comm. DL Wey

DCOSR: SFS – SFC

If the universe is indeed, expanding, as some in the scientific communities believe; and at the rate such indicates; the vast distances, which will result from this expansion will place Earth so far from its neighbors that even ships traveling at light speed would never reach them.

For even the closest of Sol’s neighboring stellar companions are more than 4.3 light-years away. In considering objects of galactic proportion, even more so.

Research conducted by this office into the various forces [believed to be involved] in the expansion of the universe; has uncovered phenomenon that, at first glance, suggests that objects are slowing down the farther from the beginning they seem. [Though this is a misnomer as we are ‘seeing’ the past, the more distant an object is].

However, this ‘time dilation’ is a result, and a natural consequence, of the very expansion being discussed. For it is through this, that light waves are stretched, subsequently reddening them and thus dragging out their arrival to the earth.

Another argument in favor of acceleration stems from, the [so far] observed amount of matter, and that needed to give space an Euclidean geometry. Perhaps, there is a hitherto unknown form of energy out there, which can account for the apparent discrepancies [the infamous cosmological constant, or its flighty relation ‘quintessence’?].

The weakness in this argument is discussed in the OSR’s other current research [The Universe: Finite or infinite, the question is raised…again].

For observations made of the cosmic microwave background radiation, has leaned in favor of space being Euclidean. That, however, has been countered by research being conducted into gravitational lensing [the bending of light from one celestial body by the gravity of another].

Such distortions, i.e. ‘multiple galaxies images’, and ‘sweeping arcs of light’, [the former considered to be common, yet found sparingly; and the latter, considered to be a rare site yet found to be widespread] are, at present, difficult to reconcile. This because, depending on whether the accelerating force varies with position or time, the outcome is drastically different.

If it is a local phenomenon, then such may be just a small pocket of acceleration, and as galaxies are pushed apart thus leaving the local area, they begin to slow sown. However, if the acceleration extends beyond the ‘local’ area, then the receding of galaxies will continue to move away at a rate that will leave us with isolation as our fate. And because of the ‘dilation effect’, what we will observe the ‘ghosts’ of departing galaxies continue to slow until they appear to halt altogether.