>
> > > > > Really, we can't even understand our own universe. Consider these two possibilities: The
> > > > > universe is infinite; or, the universe is not infinite. It is impossible for the human brain to
> > > > > comprehend that space might go on forever. It is equally impossible for us to imagine that the
> > > > > universe might simply stop, with literally nothing beyond a certain point.
> > > >
> > > > This might be why the current theory is that the universe is finite, but arranged so that it doesn't have any edges.
> > > >
> > > > Paul
> > >
> > > This theory, however, answers nothing. It doesn't claim there aren't boundaries, just that we can never find them. Basically, "Out of sight, out of mind."
> > >
> > > gab"I was sure I posted this a few minutes ago, but it didn't show up, so I am trying again. Maybe Sam deleted it. Maybe I'm hallucinating."by
> >
> > I also posted a response to your message, but mine's gone too. Current theory *does* assert that the universe has no boundaries, just as a circle has no endpoints.
> >
> > Balanthalus
>
> That does not negate that there are points not enclosed by or part of the circle. Before anyone posts that this is not a perfect analogy, I will extend it. The circle in this case is one-dimensional, but curved through another (the second) dimension. Current theory is that our four-dimensional existance is also curved through an additional 7 dimensions. More precisely, from our viewpoint, at least, the other dimensions are wrapped around ours, while from the circle-dwellers' perspective, the second dimension is wrapped around their linear home. In the same way that the second dimension is part of their world and yet extends beyond it, so do the 7 dimensions we don't see extend beyond ours. Furthermore, to state that the total 11 dimensional universe also has no border requires further dimensions through which to curve. So, yes, there must be a border, but not necessarily one we can ever find.
>
> By the way, I have no idea how they came up with 11 dimensions, I just know its what they currently think.
>
> gab"But isn't it all fascinating?"by

Well . . . not exactly. While the intuitive interpretation may suggest that there must be additional dimensions, as far as I know, there's no reason to believe there are additional dimensions at this time. As is the case in many complex physics concepts, the concept of a curved universe is counterintuitive; it goes against most of the mental conditioning we have had perceiving 3 dimensions all our lives.

Bal "No ideas for quotes today" anthalus