closed universe

Thân thiện

A closed universe is often depicted as a finite, spherical cosmos.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • (cosmology) A universe that is spatially closed and in which there is sufficient matter to halt the expansion that began with the Big Bang; the visible matter is only 10 percent of the matter required for closure but there may be large amounts of dark matter. This term describes a specific theoretical model of the cosmos where the overall geometry is finite and curved back on itself, like a sphere. The model proposes that the gravitational pull from all matter (including dark matter) is strong enough to eventually reverse the universe's expansion, leading to a future collapse.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • In a closed universe model, the cosmos will eventually stop expanding and contract in a "Big Crunch."
  • The concept of a closed universe was more popular before precise measurements of cosmic expansion were made.

Advanced Usage

• "The fate of a closed universe": This phrase is used in cosmological discussions to describe the ultimate collapse predicted by this model.
  • Theoretical physicists have long debated the fate of a closed universe.

Variants and Related Words

• Open universe (n): A contrasting cosmological model where the universe is infinite and expands forever.
• Flat universe (n): A model where the universe's geometry is "flat" (Euclidean) and expansion slows asymptotically to zero.
• Cosmology (n): The scientific study of the origin, evolution, and eventual fate of the universe.

Synonyms

• Finite universe (n): A universe with a finite volume and spatial extent.
• Spherical universe (n): A term sometimes used to describe the geometry of a closed universe.

Related Phrases

• "The closure of the universe": Refers to the condition where the density of the universe is high enough to halt its expansion.
  • Determining the closure of the universe is a key goal in cosmology.

Học thuật

Noun

1. (cosmology) a universe that is spatially closed and in which there is sufficient matter to halt the expansion that began with the big bang; the visible matter is only 10 percent of the matter required for closure but there may be large amounts of dark matter