What is the shape of the universe?

Question

For the spatial coordinates one possibility would be that every direction stretches into infinity. Another possibility is that of a closed space - curving into itself. A demonstration of such a space: a spaceship traveling in a straight line for a very long time would eventually return to the place where it started the travel.

The second part of the question relates to the time coordinate. Can this also be wrapped into itself? Am I correct in assuming that projection to one spatial coordinate + time coordinate is actually a sphere? Could such a topology help explain Big Bang and space growing?

If the hypothesis of a closed universe does hold what is the 5th dimension in which the folding takes place?

Answer 1

Consider the universe is like a Red Blood Cell. It moves, it breathes in and out, and it floats through a space that constantly changes it's shape from round to elliptical. Red Blood Cells can also fold in on themselves, stretch, contract. They are a good analogy.

I think you have something here. Do the math and present it to one of the leading quantum physicists in the field and see what they think.

I've been trying to prove the same thing for years. It seems to be the only explaination for all of the missing matter and the space growing.

If you can get the math done on it then it would certainly wrap things up in a nice little package so that we can all move on to new discoveries.

Answer 2

It's flat.  The Earth might not be, but the universe is.

Answer 3

Considering I think there are multi-verses just like there are millions of galaxies and solar systems, and how solar systems and galaxies for the most part are elliptical due to the nature of their formation, I would say the the multi-verses are elliptical in shape as well. And so on, and so on. Simply a theory and no proof.

Answer 4

elliptical

Answer 5

It's formless, shapeless..

Answer 6

there is no shape to the universe, it is an eternal nothing

Answer 7

i think the universe is elliptical, but i think your explanation's better.

Answer 8

Somewhat elliptical

Answer 9

no shape, its just big space

Answer 10

The universe is shaped like a burrito, ha ha.

Seriously, though, the universe is a "timelike" spacetime region, and that means time is the dimension that does not wrap. You can go any which way, positive or negative, among the other (spatial) coordinates, but only forward is possible with time. If you want to wrap time, go jump in a black hole.

Answer 11

Mulitiply 10,000 planet together its that big, an its the shape of a big round ball, like the earth

Answer 12

The universe expands radially so it is a sphere.