The Edge of the Universe

[klizzle]

I've always wondered, if we were to reach the very edge of the universe, we'd probably be able to watch the big bang (or whatever did happen). But what would happen if you were to attempt traveling beyond the edge of the universe, that is, beyond where matter & light have spread? Would it even be possible? Is there even an edge at all?

It seems implausible that the universe would be something other than infinite, continuous, or contained, if you think about it. If we WERE to build a device that could out-travel the speed of light, we'd theoretically be able to eventually travel past the expansion of the universe in a particular direction. What would there be? Would we be able to travel past it, or would we just stretch the universe in whichever direction we travel?

[Zylark]

Originally Posted by klizzle

Would it even be possible?

Simple answer; no.

To all practical concerns, this universe is all that is that we can experience. Going outside of it is the same as going outside of reality.

Asking what is outside the universe, is much the same as asking what is north of the north-pole. The question makes little sense. And as such, all answers will be non-sensical.

But ofcourse, this universe is absolutely fabulous. Got us in it amongst others, and that is enough for me

[Key2gb]

a brick wall and a "beware of dog" sign...the real mind fuck is that there's no dog

[klizzle]

Originally Posted by Zylark

Simple answer; no.

To all practical concerns, this universe is all that is that we can experience. Going outside of it is the same as going outside of reality.

Asking what is outside the universe, is much the same as asking what is north of the north-pole. The question makes little sense. And as such, all answers will be non-sensical.

But ofcourse, this universe is absolutely fabulous. Got us in it amongst others, and that is enough for me

I disagree with your definition of the universe in this case. I like to look at the universe the same way ancient people looked at the Earth or fish look at the ocean.

[Jimbozu]

It's my understanding that the expansion rate of the universe is faster than the speed of light... or could be at least, and therefore you can't get to the "edge" because you would have to travel faster than is physically possible to do so.

If this is true it brings up the interesting possibilities of FTL travel. If you were to be moving via a warp drive lets say, you should be able to get to the edge of the universe. Unlesses it as well is warped such that as you get closer to the edge you get smaller and smaller, such that you can never quite reach it...

OK sorry for that mindless ranting, I'm done.

[Smokinscientist]

Originally Posted by Key2gb

a brick wall and a "beware of dog" sign...the real mind fuck is that there's no dog

Lol, one of the great mysteries of the universe.