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Shape of the universe

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From top to bottom: a spherical 2D universe, a hyperbolic 2D universe, and a flat 2D universe.
From top to bottom: a spherical 2D universe, a hyperbolic 2D universe, and a flat 2D universe.

There are three categories for the possible spatial topologies of a universe: flat (eudlidian), positive curvature (spherical), and negative curvature (hyperbolic). The number of spatial dimensions may also be variable (we live in a universe of 3). A universe may be labeled with the designator Xn where X represents the global geometry of the universe. E = Euclidean or Flat, S = Spherical, H = Hyperbolic. n represents the number of spacial dimensions. Many assume we live in a S3 universe but H3 and E3 may also be possible.

Contents

Topology

The three categories discusses above (euclidean, spherical, and hyperbolic) determine the effect on parallel lines. In Euclidean space parallel lines remain parallel forever. In spherical space the parallel lines will eventually cross. In hyperbolic space parallel lines diverge.

Open vs. Closed

Dimensions

Space, as we perceive it, is three spatial dimensional. While time is a fourth dimension it is not a spatial dimension and is excluded when discussing universe topology. It is possible that other universes, if they exists, can contain more or less dimensions.

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