Is there a point where the universe stops?

Answer 1

Some say there is no end to the universe, that it is just expanding and expanding. If the universe has a center, I don't think we will be able to find it.

If the Universe started from a single point, the big bang, and expanded at a huge speed then surely it must have an "end" or a "boundry". Just like a ball being blown up, It starts small and gets bigger and bigger.

To add to that, if the universe started at one point as the big bang theory suggests the there has to be a center or at least a starting point. We have found the end of the universe but under Edward Hubble's theory and the general belief of today it is still expanding outwards Note: if you are looking for a short concise answer for you astronomy class above is great but if you want to really get into the subject look up the two theories above. Hope i helped.

- This still does not make sense, there HAS to be a "center" of the Universe under the big bang theory, even if it is a ball or balloon blowing up, there is still a CENTER or middle of the ball or balloon. Even if there are no "edges" of the universe there is still a geometrical point of center. If the universe started from one point in space and expanded in all directions there is a center even if it is a moving central point.

Answer 2

Possibly, but we have no idea where it might be. We're not even certain if the concept of a "center of the universe" makes any real sense.

The Big Bang Theory suggests there is, in fact, no centre at all. That's even if the Universe is not infinite.

I like that old "balloon" analogy of the Universe. Of course it's only an analogy, but it helps to convince people that "no center" is possible in a finite Universe.

The idea is that the Universe is represented by the SURFACE of a balloon. The surface is a two dimensional analogy for the whole Universe. The inside of the balloon and the space around it are not part of "the Universe" in this picture.

Now you can see there is no special place you can call "the center" of the Universe.

You can blow the balloon up to represent the expanding space of Universe. Notice that this universe has no "edge" either. That's what the real Universe is said to be like.

I think Arthur Eddington first used this analogy decades ago, but it's still one of the best.

Answer 3

As far as we can tell, no.

A common misconception about our Universe -- not helped by popular presentations -- is that the matter in our Universe exploded from a central point into empty space. The facts are that (1) there was no explosion from a central point, it was an expansion that took place everywhere, (2) this expansion was not of matter, but of space itself, with matter becoming less dense as space became larger, and (3) the expansion was not "into" anything -- if you examine the math, a 3D Hilbert Space can expand into, well, itself.

A better way to view Big Bang Cosmology is like a balloon whose radius is growing larger, thus causing the dots on the surface of the balloon to grow farther apart over time. Note that no point on the surface can be considered the "starting point" or the "center" of the expansion; all points are the same. Note that this representation is also flawed because (1) it is a 2D expansion, and our Universe is 3D, (2) the balloon surface is curved, our Universe is (mathematically) "flat", and (3) the balloon is expanding into a 3D atmosphere.

Answer 4

Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that the universe "stops" or has an endpoint. The universe appears to be infinite and constantly expanding. This expansion is driven by dark energy, a mysterious force that counteracts gravity on very large scales.

Answer 5

To man's knowledge, there is no point at which the universe ends. Scientists believe that the universe is infinite and continuing to expand.

Answer 6

No. It can end in a big crunch(which is the reverse of the big bang) or in a big chill(where the universe becomes too big and all the stars and galaxies fade, leaving only radiation.)

Answer 7

It has a center.