Thread: What if there is something outside the universe?

Originally Posted by Soros

If the Universe's edge is defined as the farthest reaches where one can find matter and beyond which nothing else is present, then wouldn't the universe be infinite in possible scope?

Yes, possible scope. But atm afawk it isn't infinite. But it's possible scope is. See mario's post for variables.

Originally Posted by Soros

If the universe is currently finite, but it is expanding and that which lies beyond it is nothingness, then the more it expands, the bigger it gets, and since there is nothingness beyond it then wouldn't that mean that there is probably an endless amount of expansion that it can do?

Probably. There's one problem I have with this though. Which I just thought of before. The universe as we define it, is all the matter; stars, planets, people, other animals, trees, black holes, air etc. Within space there is all these aforementioned things existing. Around these objects, there is nothing. Space is a 'vacuum', meaning no particles of oxygen or anything, outside of these objects. Which is probably why we call it 'space'.
So by 'space expanding', people don't mean this black stuff with stars and other crap in it spreading outwards. What is meant is that the objects are going outwards, they started going outwards from the big bang. At the edges of the universe there is probably just dust particles and no planets because there is not enough matter left to accumulate in to planets. I'm kinda going off track a bit, but it may be pertinent, not sure.
The point is, though, that I find it hard to contemplate what it is that is actually expanding. We only know the universe is expanding by examining the objects IN space. They are slowly drifting apart. Our planet and the others in our solar system are slowly getting further and further away from each other. But we can't actually see the universe expanding without these objects.

So.... it's hard to imagine how 'space' or our universe is expanding still if there are no objects left at the edges of the universe to tell. Because space is nothing, and outside the universe, we're assuming there is nothing either! Get what I'm saying?

So I think something is missing from our theory atm.

I've also wondered why space is black. Since space is nothing, there should be no colour in between all the planets and stars etc. It should look like air, in between them. Maybe it's all the other galaxies and black holes and whatever absorbing all the light. I might have to re-think that though. Coz light being beamed in to the atmosphere by stars/suns might look the same as a black object absorbing light. But I'm pretty sure it shouldn't.

Originally Posted by Soros

Sorry if i mangled my words a bit. I hope i made myself somewhat understandable.

S'all good. Sometimes it's hard to articulate properly when thinking about these things, coz it's so mind blowing I've found. But you did fine lol

Originally Posted by tommo

S'all good. Sometimes it's hard to articulate properly when thinking about these things, coz it's so mind blowing I've found. But you did fine lol

Absolutely, i feel smarter just thinking about these type of things. lol

Originally Posted by tommo

So I think something is missing from our theory atm.

Originally Posted by Mario92

This is all just pure speculation, but kinda fun to think about anyway.

I think in the next 20 years or so we will come closer to getting the facts though.

All we can do till then is just speculate on the nature of the universe and how it works, but at least it makes for some good philosophy.

Originally Posted by Soros

I think in the next 20 years or so we will come closer to getting the facts though.

All we can do till then is just speculate on the nature of the universe and how it works, but at least it makes for some good philosophy.

Yep I agree completely. Dunno about the 20 years part. But it will be a while. It's fun to wonder anyway.