Will light get reflected at edge of space

In summary, the concept of light being reflected at the edge of the universe is based on the assumption that the universe has boundaries. If this were the case, we would see multiple images of distant galaxies due to the longer distance the reflected photons travel. However, there is no evidence for periodic boundary conditions in our universe, and we are actually at the temporal edge, making it impossible to see reflections from the future. Ultimately, there is no "edge of the universe" for light to reflect off of.
  • #1
DRBU012
1
0
What happens when light gets to the edge of space or universe, does it get reflected back.
Assuming that light gets reflected back at the edge of universe. We are seeing the reflections of the same star galaxy, at different points of time, at different location. Since the reflected photons travel a greater distance than the photons of the real object, the reflected photons would be of lower frequency when compared to the light from the actual object.
So if we eliminate all the reflections from actual direct light of stars (luminous objects), would the size and mass of the universe that we intepret as of now, be smaller than what we perceive.
 
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  • #2
There is no "edge of the universe" for light to reflect off of.
 
  • #3
There is no edge. One possibility that has been considered in the literature (Highly unlikely in my opinion) is that of a universe with periodic boundary conditions in which case it would be possible to travel all around the universe back to your starting position without ever taking a turn (kinda like circumnavigating the globe). That possibility could create multiple images of distant galaxies. But alas, there is no evidence that our universe has periodic boundaries.
 
  • #4
We are at the temporal edge of the universe - the oldest place in all of the heavens. You cannot get more distant from the Big Bang than here. Do you see any weird reflections? Once a light beam whizzes by earth, it travels into our future. We can't see reflections from the future, only the past.
 
  • #5
jtbell said:
There is no "edge of the universe" for light to reflect off of.

doesn't that depend on whether or not there are boundary conditions?
 

Related to Will light get reflected at edge of space

1. Will light always get reflected at the edge of space?

No, light will not always get reflected at the edge of space. The reflection of light at the edge of space depends on various factors, such as the angle of incidence, the wavelength of light, and the composition of the atmosphere.

2. Can light get reflected in outer space?

No, light cannot get reflected in outer space. Reflection occurs when light encounters a surface, and since outer space is mostly a vacuum, there is no surface for the light to reflect off of.

3. How does light behave at the edge of space?

Light behaves differently at the edge of space compared to within the Earth's atmosphere. At the edge of space, the air is much thinner, and there is less interference, allowing light to travel further without being scattered or absorbed.

4. Does the color of light affect its reflection at the edge of space?

Yes, the color (or wavelength) of light does affect its reflection at the edge of space. Shorter wavelengths, such as blue and violet, are more easily scattered and reflected compared to longer wavelengths, such as red and orange.

5. Is there any significance to light reflection at the edge of space?

Yes, light reflection at the edge of space can provide valuable information about the composition and behavior of the Earth's atmosphere. It can also be used for various scientific studies, such as monitoring changes in the ozone layer, studying atmospheric pollution, and tracking weather patterns.

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