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Concept Animations

Concept Animations > Geometry of the Universe

Image 1 (Top) from animation of WMAP receiving three space geometry scenerios: Open, Flat, and Closed.
Image 2 (Bottom) from animation of three space geometry scenerios: Open, Flat, and Closed.
Geometry of the Universe

The amount of dark matter and energy in the universe plays a crucial role in determining the geometry of space. The density of matter and energy plays a crucial role in determining the geometry of space. If the universe is less than the critical density, then space is open and negatively curved like the surface of a saddle. If the density exactly equals the critical density, then space is flat like a sheet of paper. If the density is greater than critical density, then space is closed and positively curved like the surface of a sphere. The Inflationary Theory, an extension of the Big Bang theory, predicts that density is very close to the critical density, producing a flat universe, like a sheet of paper.

See the the Universe and Geometry sections for more on this subject.

Credit: NASA / WMAP Science Team

Duration: 36.0 seconds

Available animation formats:
320 x 240 (15fps) QT (437 KB)
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Top Image:
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Bottom Image:
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  • Page Updated: Thursday, 02-22-2024
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