3 ms·

The point is that as far as we can tell there isn't a "center" of the universe.

• ganzuul 5y ago
  Because it is an open set?
• scotty79 5y ago
  Try simulating this: Start with bunch of objects at coordinates 0,0,0. Give them random velocities from 0 to c. Then just let them move according to Newtons laws of motion, ignore gravity. Now focus on single random object and narrow down your field of view so you won't see the edge. Look at other objects. They will seem to be moving away directly from the point you focused on with velocities proportional to distance from it. I made such simulation and calculated that the relative velocities of other points face directly away from the point I'm observing. And they really do. There's definitely a center of this system, yet from the point of view of any object far enough from the edge to not be able to see it, it seems like there's no center and other objects just move away from us, and from each other with speed proportional to the distance.
  • 317070 5y ago
    But in that model you would not see a uniform distribution of objects within your field of view. It's observably anisotropic, while we observe the universe to be isotropic.
    • scotty79 5y ago
      In that model if you can't see the edge because you are far enough from it the distribution you observe is exactly isotropic regardless of which object you choose as your point of view. Same way that you can't figure out where the center is, you can't figure any special direction or plane. Try sumulating this model yourself. Everything looks exactly as if you were in the center of Big Bang, even when you are not.