• Question: If the Big Crunch were to occur, what would happen in terms of Olbers' paradox?

    Asked by lwebb to Adam, Geoff, Rob, Sheila, Suzie on 17 Mar 2011 in Categories: .
    • Photo: Adam Tuff

      Adam Tuff answered on 17 Mar 2011:

      Good question! Olbers paradox means that if the universe is infinite, all we would see in space would be a massive white glow as no matter where you looked into the sky, you’d see stars. As we don’t see that, Olbers Paradox implies our universe has a finite (or definite) mass rather than infinite mass. If the big crunch were to occur – then I guess at some point we might see the edge of the universe come into view – if it exists of course!

    • Photo: Suzie Sheehy

      Suzie Sheehy answered on 17 Mar 2011:

      If the big crunch happened and you were at the middle (poor you) then you’d see things get brighter and brighter as the stars from very far away came toward you. Olber’s paradox says that if the Universe was infinite the sky should be totally bright with a star at every point, it is a good reason for believing that the Universe isn’t infinite! But I hope I’m not around to experience a big crunch!

    • Photo: Sheila Kanani

      Sheila Kanani answered on 17 Mar 2011:

      Wicked question 🙂
      I believe if everything was coming towards us we would see the stars all the time. How bright would that be?!

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