Universe is older than we think

  • #1
eepshteyn
1
0
We think the age of universe is 13.8 billion years old . I think we are wrong.

Let’s pretend we can go outside of our observable universe. Also, let’s say we can go so far out that we do not even see a spec of light from our universe. We see nothing at all, total darkness. When they finally do see the spec of light it will look like an explosion took place and the universe was born out of nothing. From that perspective, there was nothing, something what looks like an explosion must have taken place, and now a spec of light is getting bigger and bigger. (Big Bang)

From the vantage point of an observer situated far beyond our observable universe, who is not aware of the preceding 13.8 billion years of cosmic history, the sudden appearance of light or a "spec of light" could indeed give the impression of a sudden cosmic event, like an explosion, resulting in the birth of the universe.

In this scenario, the observer might not have the context to understand that the light they are witnessing has been traveling for billions of years before reaching them. Instead, they might interpret it as a contemporary event. This interpretation aligns with the idea that observations are relative and dependent on the observer's frame of reference and knowledge. Without the information about the universe's history, the observer might naturally conclude that they are witnessing the birth of the universe at that moment.

The universe can be 27 trillion years old, and we will never know the true age as we could be the observers who are seeing the light from further away than what our current technology can see.

Am I way off on this?
 
  • Skeptical
  • Sad
Likes Motore, Vanadium 50 and weirdoguy
Astronomy news on Phys.org
  • #2
eepshteyn said:
We see nothing at all, total darkness

That is impossible, since universe is assumed to be isotropic and homogenous (on a large scale). You should first learn basics of cosmology before you say something is wrong.
 
  • #3
Welcome to PF.
eepshteyn said:
Am I way off on this?
It is a personal theory. Does it fit all the observations?
How does it explain the red shift of light from the most distant sources visible?

We see the universe in all directions, not arriving from one point.
How can you observe the universe from outside the universe?
The 13.8 billion years age of the universe, is the age of our visible universe.
If we cannot see it, it is not part of our universe.
 
  • #4
The forum rules do not allow discussion of new speculative ideas that have not been published in an appropriate peer-reviewed journal, so this thread is closed.

(We are not deleting it, to preserve the responses already provided).
 
  • Like
Likes Bystander

1. What evidence suggests that the universe might be older than previously thought?

Recent astronomical findings, such as the precise measurements of the cosmic microwave background radiation, the study of distant galaxies, and the behavior of stars in globular clusters, suggest that the universe might be older than the estimates provided by earlier models. Additionally, discrepancies in the Hubble constant, which measures the expansion rate of the universe, have led some scientists to reconsider the age of the universe.

2. How do scientists estimate the age of the universe?

Scientists estimate the age of the universe using various methods, including observing the oldest stars, measuring the rate of expansion of the universe (using the Hubble constant), and studying the cosmic microwave background radiation. By combining these observations with theoretical models of cosmic evolution, they can infer the age of the universe.

3. What impact would an older universe have on our understanding of cosmology and physics?

If the universe is proven to be older than currently believed, it could necessitate revisions to the standard model of cosmology, particularly relating to the understanding of dark matter, dark energy, and the early rapid expansion of the universe known as inflation. It might also affect our understanding of fundamental physics, including particle physics and gravity.

4. Are there any controversies or debates related to this topic?

Yes, there are ongoing debates and controversies. One major area of contention is the value of the Hubble constant. Different methods of measuring this constant have resulted in slightly different values, leading to debates about which methods are most accurate and whether new physics might be needed to explain the discrepancies.

5. How might future research alter our perception of the universe's age?

Future research, particularly with next-generation telescopes and observatories like the James Webb Space Telescope, could provide more precise measurements of distant astronomical objects and phenomena. This could lead to more accurate calculations of the Hubble constant and better understanding of the universe's expansion history, potentially confirming or adjusting the estimated age of the universe.

Similar threads

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
25
Views
2K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
24
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
19
Views
841
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
18
Views
3K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
2
Views
851
Replies
24
Views
2K
Replies
54
Views
3K
Back
Top