Will the Universe Expand Forever?

The evidence for an expansion of the universe is examined, taking into account aspects of isotropic expansion, the concept of the big bang, and questions regarding the gravitational interactions of the components of the universe. Questions concerning the correspondence of the universe to either an &...

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Veröffentlicht in:Sci. Am., v. 234, no. 3, pp. 62-65, 68-72B, 77, 7 v. 234, no. 3, pp. 62-65, 68-72B, 77, 7, 1976-03, Vol.234 (3), p.62-79
Hauptverfasser: Gott, J. Richard, Gunn, James E., Schramm, David N., Tinsley, Beatrice M.
Format: Magazinearticle
Sprache:eng
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Zusammenfassung:The evidence for an expansion of the universe is examined, taking into account aspects of isotropic expansion, the concept of the big bang, and questions regarding the gravitational interactions of the components of the universe. Questions concerning the correspondence of the universe to either an 'open' or a 'closed' model are investigated. If the expansion continues perpetually, the universe is said to be 'open'. In a 'closed' universe the expansion will stop at some time and reverse direction. Attention is given to aspects of gravitational deceleration, the geometry of space, approaches for measuring deceleration, the age of the universe, the average density, primeval density, and plausible cosmological models. It is concluded that the various factors considered strongly support the concept of a universe which will expand forever.
ISSN:0036-8733
1946-7087
DOI:10.1038/scientificamerican0376-62