The universe is commonly defined as the totality of existence, including planets, stars, galaxies, the contents of intergalactic space, and all matter and energy. Definitions and usage vary and similar terms include the cosmos, the world and nature.
Scientific observation of earlier stages in the development of the universe, which can be seen at great distances, suggests that the universe has been governed by the same physical laws and constants throughout most of its extent and history. The universe is believed to be at least 93 billion light years in diameter and has existed for about 13.7 billion years, since it was created by the Big Bang.
There are various multiverse hypotheses, in which physicists have suggested that the universe might be one among many universes that likewise exist. The farthest distance that it is theoretically possible for humans to see is described as the observable universe. Observations have shown that the universe appears to be expanding at an accelerating rate, and a number of models have arisen to predict its ultimate fate.
Read more about Universe: Etymology, Synonyms and Definitions, Size, Age, Contents, Structure, and Laws, Historical Models, Theoretical Models, Shape of The Universe
Other articles related to "universe, universes":
... The shape or geometry of the universe includes both local geometry in the observable universe and global geometry, which we may or may not be able to measure ... of the four-dimensional space-time of the universe ... If the observable universe is smaller than the entire universe (in some models it is many orders of magnitude smaller), one cannot determine the global structure by ...
... In economics and marketing a universe is a population to be studied or measured ... In economics a population to be measured is described as a "universe", and the measures which are generated are intended to reflect the behavior of that population ... Different statistical surveys may measure related, but different, universes and have to be adjusted to reflect this difference ...
... As the universe expands, more distant objects recede from the Earth faster, in what is called the Hubble Flow ... and irregular galaxies than the local universe galaxy collisions and mergers were more common in the young universe as it was much smaller than today ... variation in the rate of star formation over the lifetime of the universe ...
... Universe Spy Changer Optimus Prime with Prowl (2004) The parallel-universe spanning Transformers Universe line also featured a yellow repaint of ...
... Andromeda (Marvel Comics), character native of Atlantis in the Marvel comics universe Andromeda (Pantheon) Laurel Gand codenamed Andromeda, character of the Legion of Super-Heroes ...
Famous quotes containing the word universe:
“We admire with awe
The exulting thunder of your race;
You give the universe your law,
You triumph over time and space!
Your pride of life, your tireless powers,
We laud them, but they are not ours.”
—Matthew Arnold (1822–1888)
“Both place and time were changed, and I dwelt nearer to those parts of the universe and to those eras in history which had most attracted me.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
“Some people swallow the universe like a pill; they travel on through the world, like smiling images pushed from behind.”
—Robert Louis Stevenson (1850–1894)