Questions about the Universe

[Ginger Harp Seal Pup]

Everybody is interested in the universe. So much is unknown about it and we will never be able to learn all about it, at least not in our lifetime, and perhaps not in a thousand years time, maybe never. So, what I thought we could do, is compose a little thread all about it.

It's going to be set up in a different way to which normal threads are. The first three pages or so are going to be asking questions only, counting up to a hundred, all about the universe. Then, when we have a hundred questions, we'll get the first question and post our theories all about it, including snippets of information from other sites if we can. Then, when we've decided we can no longer think of anything to say about question 1, we will move on to question 2 and so forth. I figured it could be quite a good discussion and something we could all get our teeth into. Feeling a bit bored? Then pop over here. Feeling clever? Let's hear what you have to say!

Q1: Is the universe infinite? (Figured that would be a good start!)

Q2: What would happen if you were to go into a black hole?

[ria]

Great idea Ginger!

Q3: Is it possible there is life, other than on our planet, in the universe?

Q4: How did the universe start?

(Bleh, couldn't think of any better questions, mine are so general. But this really is a great idea, I love debating about philosophical things (not "debate" but pose theories really) especially to do with the galaxy/universe)

EDIT: Maybe once we have our questions we can put them into an order, rather than the order we've numbered.

For example, our four questions could be:

1. How did the universe start?
2. Is the universe infinite?
3. Is it possible there is life, other than on our planet, in the universe?
4. What would happen if you fell into a black hole?

That way we can run with the ideas we come up with.

[Ginger Harp Seal Pup]

Good idea you have there, Ria

Some more questions!

Q5 What might cause the destruction of our solar system?

Q6 What might cause the destruction of the entire universe?

Q7 Is there such things as parallel universes?

Q8 How exactly does gravity work?

[TDG]

One of the more puzzling questions...

The universe is expanding. If it is infinite, what is it expanding into ? If it isn't infinite, what's outside of the universe?

[matchbow]

i haven't got a question, but i do have an answer.

how did the universe start?

well, there was no "before" the universe, since time did not exist until the universe was created. now causes for events occur before the events. but since no time existed "before" the creation of the universe, there can be no cause for the creation of the universe.

[kentieness]

If all life forms in this Universe didn't exist would the Universe then be non-existant (since there's no life form to confirm it's existance)?

[Asthaloth]

I'll answer as best I can from memory.

1:is the universe infinite?
... Yes and no, in theory, if you travel in a straight line across the universe you would eventually end up where you began.
Think of it as a Sphere, with you travelling on the inside.

2:What would happen if you were to go into a black hole?
Bad, Bad things.
Stretched to an infinite point, and torn apart by the gravity.

3: Is it possible there is life, other than on our planet, in the universe?
Yes, Life is pre-emminent on earth, so one can assume it is elswhere, weve just not found any.

4: How did the universe start?
The big bang (Or multiple big bangs depending on whom you ask)
All matter and energy and whatnot in the universe was condensed into a single point of existance, something occured which caused said ickle ball to explode, creating the universe as we know it (After quite a bit of time mindyou)
The Universe is also some Ten Billion years old.
Note: There is a before the Universe, its just nothing that we can comprehend.


5: What might cause the destruction of our solar system?
Super Nova (Large stars detonating in their death throes)
Not much else would actually destroy a solar system.

6: What might cause the destruction of the entire universe?

Not a lot, Anti-matter cascade perhaps (A possible side effect of using Particle accellerators, albeit the odds for it happening are... Uncalculable)

7: Is there such things as parallel universes?
For every possible action and for every possible moment their is an alternate reality.

8: How exactly does gravity work?
Think of it like putting a weight upon some foam, the weight drops down a certain distance and the foam around it follows it as its dragged down.
Gravity works like that, but with a whole load more dimensions.

9:If it is infinite, what is it expanding into ? If it isn't infinite, what's outside of the universe?
Its expanding into nothing. a void.
To blatantly steal from doctor Who;
"no up, no down, no left no right, no light no dark. nothing."



Sorry for the scant answers, my books and sources are elswhere and I'm working from memory.

[ryan.riverside]

Note, guys: We're supposed to be asking the questions now, not giving the answers.


Question 10: How many stars and/or planets are out there?

Question 11: Will we ever be able to see another planetary system without the aid of a telescope? (I.E. travel there)

Question 12: Did humans originate on Earth?

Question 13: Can people travel at warp speed?

Question 14: Do wormholes exist?

Question 15: Is it possible to travel through time?

Question 16: Are there beings more intelligent than humans in the universe?

Question 17: Are there elements that can withstand the temperature of a star?

Question 18: Are there really more than four dimensions?

Question 19: Can people really live for thousands of years out in space?

Question 20: Does zero gravity really enhance the growth process?

Question 21: Are there really black holes in the center of the Milky Way?

Question 22: What are Quasars, really, and how does the energy escape the black hole?

Question 23: Could a large enough solid planet turn into a star?

Question 24: What is really going on in Jupiter's eye?

Question 25: How should a planet be defined?

Question 26: What created Lune?

Question 27: How old is the Universe?

Question 28: How long will the universe last?

Question 29: If the universe ends at some point, how will it be destroyed?

Question 30: Was there really a Big Bang?


I suppose that's enough questions from me for a while. I do have some answers for the other questions (ones that I didn't ask), but I'll hold off until we hit 100Q.

[Ginger Harp Seal Pup]

Guys, you're supposed to actually READ the thread first XD

Ask questions first, answer them afterwards. Thank you Ryan, for informing people And whoa, loads of questions that we can theorise on. Whee!

[ryan.riverside]

No prob, Ginj... just doing my job

I have thought about the universe just a little bit.

[Xil]

31) What is the nature of evil?


32) Why are the majority of these questions already theorized with answers?

[Asthaloth]

32) Why are the majority of these questions already theorized with answers?

To confuse me
<.<

>.>

[Mongrel]

Where IS the Planet of the Apes?

Wait a minute...
Statue of Liberty...that was our planet! You maniacs!

(My friends and I have a theory that for any conversation started in this universe, there is a way to work a Simpsons quote into it.)

Real question:
33: What sparks life on a planet?

[ryan.riverside]

Question 34: What of the Multiverse?

Question 35: What is the smallest element of a particle (proton/neutron, quark, or string, or even smaller)?

[Skynetmain]

Not to argue with Setekh's answer, which I agree with, but I just wanted to add my favorite thing I heard for an answer to Question 4: 'In the beginning there was nothing, then it exploded' - (Doesn't remember who said it)

(My friends and I have a theory that for any conversation started in this universe, there is a way to work a Simpsons quote into it.)

I buy that, but have to expand it to Futurama too since they have better general purpose quotes. Mostly because Simpsons lack subtlety. Chracters can't just say how they feel. That makes me angry!