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| The Universe is Expanding |
When you read the word "universe," what image comes to mind? Is it a dead vacuum in total darkness? Or is it a vast, sparkling area with numerous stars twinkling for eternity? Most people's idea of the universe is something that is "already there," not a thing, but a space that has always been constant, quiet and absolute, from the past until now. But the universe is not an unchanging space. The present universe is constantly expanding. Perhaps in the distant future, the universe will be contracting. Or perhaps it will continue expanding, or maybe expanding at a much faster rate. In any case, the universe is not at a state of stillness.
"Expanding" simply means increasing in volume and size, but not necessarily because something else has been added to it. It is different from blowing air into a balloon to make it expand. This point is very important. When we say that the universe expands, we do not mean that the amount of space or material is increasing. Rather it is like a popcorn. When you make popcorn, each kernel is larger after popping, compared to when it was corn, but the inside of the popcorn is less dense.
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The Universe Expansion
Introduction
The Universe Expansion
