|
( Universe)
The Universe is defined as everything that physically exists the entirety of space and time, all forms of matter, energy and momentum, and the physical laws and constants that govern them. However, the term "universe" may be used in slightly different contextual senses, denoting such concepts as the cosmos, the world or Nature. Experiments suggest that the universe has been governed by the same physical laws and constants throughout its extent and history. The dominant force at cosmological distances is gravity, and general relativity is currently the most accurate theory of gravitation. The remaining three fundamental forces and all the known particles on which they act are described by the Standard Model. The universe has at least three dimensions of space and one of time, although extremely small additional dimensions cannot be ruled out experimentally. Spacetime appears to be smoothly and simply connected, and space has very small mean curvature, so that Euclidean geometry is accurate on the average throughout the universe. The word "universe" is usually defined as encompassing everything. However, using an alternate definition, some have speculated that this "universe" is one of many disconnected "universes", which are collectively denoted as the multiverse. For example, in bubble universe theory, there are an infinite variety of "universes", each with different physical constants. Similarly, in the many-worlds hypothesis, new "universes" are spawned with every quantum measurement. Since these universes are, by definition, disconnected from our own, these speculations cannot be tested experimentally. Throughout recorded history, several cosmologies and cosmogonies have been proposed to account for observations of the universe. The earliest quantitative models were developed by the ancient Greeks, who proposed that the universe possesses infinite space and has existed eternally, but contains a single set of concentric spheres of finite size – corresponding to the fixed stars, the Sun and various planets – rotating about a spherical but unmoving Earth. Over the centuries, more precise observations and improved theories of gravity led to Copernicus' heliocentric model and the Newtonian model of the solar system, respectively. Further improvements in astronomy led to the characterization of the Milky Way, and the discovery of other galaxies and the microwave background radiation; careful studies of the distribution of these galaxies and their spectral lines have led to much of modern cosmology.
|
Universe Subcategories
Universe Articles
Let the Universe Breathe You by Megan McDonough
I felt an asthma attack coming on this morning as I was teaching yoga. It came at the worst possible moment, just as I was getting ready to lead the final relaxation. I had been neglecting to use the steroid inhaler that keeps my asthma in check. Whe...
When the Law of Attraction ISN'T Working: How to Break Through Self-Sabotage by Sonia Miller
The Universe Loves a Vacuum You’ve probably heard people say, “The Universe abhors a vacuum.” Well, I’ve come to know that the Universe actually loves a vacuum. This is because the Universe is about expansion and the vacuum gi...
Tantra, the secrets of the universe by Moses Maimon
When first hearing about tantra, most people usually react in the same way... that it's something to do with sex or smut. It is unfortunate that most people get the wrong impression about Tantra. Tantra actually is something completely differ...
|
|
