Question related to tv show How the Universe Works

In summary, the conversation discusses the large scale structure of the universe and the question of how objects can be 100 billion light-years apart in a 15 billion year old universe if matter can't travel faster than light. The answer lies in the expansion of the universe, where objects can appear to be moving away from each other faster than the speed of light due to the space between them expanding. The age of the universe and the size of the observable universe are not the same, and the observable universe is estimated to be about 93 billion light-years across. The conversation also touches on the topic of inflation theory and the purpose of television programming.
  • #1
ko_kyi
7
0
This is probably a really stupid question, but I don't know where else to ask it.

I am a layman watching Science channel, the show "How the Universe Works" episode called Alien Galaxies. In it they described the large scale structure of the universe, and talked about the Sloan Wall, which is +100 billion light-years across. A quick wiki search says that an estimate of the age of the universe since the big bang is 14 billion years, more or less. How the hell can objects made of matter be 100 billion light-years apart in a 15 billion year old universe, if matter can't travel faster than light?

Thanks in advance for indulging my question.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
You are watching BS. It draws in viewers so they include it on TV, that's what television is all about.
 
  • #3
I think in the very early stages, they presume that the universe expanded faster than the speed of light in the inflation theory
 
  • #4
Curl said:
You are watching BS. It draws in viewers so they include it on TV, that's what television is all about.

In your own thread on solar roads you claim others who ignore details are "ignorant on all levels" and then you go and do the same here.

The age of the universe is not the same as the size of the universe.
The observable universe is thus a sphere with a diameter of about 28 billion parsecs (9.3 × 1010 light years).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Observable_universe#Size

That's 93 billion light years across - and this only the observable universe.

This is down to the expansion of the universe.

Although two objects can be moving away from each other slower than the speed of light, the space inbetween them expands - giving the appearance they are traveling faster than the speed of light and increasing the distance between them further than would be possible in the given travel time.

If you imagine two objects stationary in space relative to each other, with the space between them expanding at a rate of 1m per year. After a million years they'll be 1,000,000m further apart than they originally were without ever moving.
 
Last edited:

Related to Question related to tv show How the Universe Works

1. What is the main focus of the TV show How the Universe Works?

The main focus of How the Universe Works is to explore and explain the various phenomena and processes that occur in our universe, from the formation of stars and galaxies to the evolution of our own planet Earth.

2. Is the information presented in How the Universe Works scientifically accurate?

Yes, the information presented in How the Universe Works is backed by scientific evidence and is vetted by a team of experts in the fields of astronomy, cosmology, and physics.

3. Are there any recurring hosts or experts featured on the show?

Yes, the show features a panel of experts including astrophysicists, astronomers, and scientists who provide commentary and explanations throughout the episodes. Some of the recurring hosts include Michio Kaku, Mike Rowe, and Sean Carroll.

4. How many seasons of How the Universe Works are there?

As of 2021, there are 9 seasons of How the Universe Works, with a total of 90 episodes. The show first premiered in 2010 and has been continuously airing new episodes since then.

5. Can I watch How the Universe Works online?

Yes, you can watch full episodes of How the Universe Works on the Science Channel's website or app if you have a cable login. The show is also available for purchase on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, and Google Play.

Similar threads

I Questions about the Location of the Big Bang and the Age of the Universe
    • Cosmology
Replies
8
Views
648
B How did Earth get so far away from other galaxies?
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
12
Views
1K
B Clarification on how old the Universe is
    • Cosmology
Replies
11
Views
2K
B Size of universe - rewinding big bang versus "flat" universe
    • Cosmology
2
Replies
54
Views
3K
B Distance of Stars / Size of the Universe calculation
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
6
Views
2K
I How far into the Universe can we theoretically reach?
    • Cosmology
Replies
34
Views
3K
B Questions about relative Space-Time in the Universe
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
24
Views
1K
I How do we know age of the universe?
    • Cosmology
Replies
14
Views
2K
B Age of Universe: 13.8 Billion Years
    • Cosmology
Replies
7
Views
2K
I Some questions about Cosmic Microwave Background radiation
    • Cosmology
Replies
13
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top