Watch the video above and talk about it with a group or mentor. Learn more.
The universe is greater and more complex than we could ever possibly understand. What does this mean when we are trying to figure out our own lives?
Key Points:
- Our universe is now, and has always been, expanding faster than the speed of light.
- Einstein’s Theory of Special Relativity says that nothing moving through space can move faster than light…but that doesn’t mean space itself can’t move faster than light!
- The observable universe has a radius of over 46,000,000,000 lightyears. This isn’t the whole universe, though. This is just the portion of the universe we are able to see!
- There is debate about whether or not the universe is infinite. If it is infinite, this means that it will always exist and it has always existed. (There are other theories.) From this perspective, there is not just one Big Bang, but many Big Bangs that have occurred infinitely and will occur infinitely.
- Those who disagree say that there was one Big Bang and that it was the beginning of the universe and that before it, the universe as we know it didn’t exist.
Quote This:
The Universe is under no obligation to make sense to you. -Neil deGrasse Tyson
Talk About It
- What is your initial reaction to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Are you interested in science? Why or why not?
- What is your favorite weird science fact?
- How do you feel when you consider how big the universe really is? Explain.
- A lot of people argue about the origin of the universe. Why do you think this is?
- What are the implications of believing the universe has always existed and will always exist? What are the implications of believing the universe had a beginning and therefore will have an end? Explain.
- Write a personal action step based on this conversation.
This topic is adapted from the Veritasium YouTube channel.
