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Chapter 34: Q2CQ (page 1236)

If there is no observable edge to the universe, can we determine where its centre of expansion is? Explain.

Short Answer

Expert verified

We can't pinpoint its centre of expansion because each observer believes he is in the centre, which shouldn't be possible if the centre is unique.

Step by step solution

01

Definition of centre of expansion.

The point in space from which all other points are moving away is known as the centre of expansion. A plethora of astronomical observations have revealed that the universe is, in fact, expanding. These observations form the basis for the theory that the universe began with a Big Bang.

02

Explaining whether we can determine centre of expansion of universe?

We can't pinpoint its centre of expansion because every observer in the universe detects galaxies moving away from him and from each other, giving him the impression that he is in the centre. The uniqueness of a point with this property would imply that we have discovered a centre of expansion, but because this is true for all observers, we can only conclude that the universe is expanding universally.

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