Is the universe expanding or is space expanding?

Based on large quantities of experimental observation and theoretical work, the scientific consensus is that space itself is expanding, and that it expanded very rapidly within the first fraction of a second after the Big Bang. This kind of expansion is known as “metric expansion”.

When we say the universe is expanding we mean that?

Answer. When scientists talk about the expanding universe, they mean that it has been growing ever since its beginning with the Big Bang. In other words, the universe has no center; everything is moving away from everything else.

Why do some scientist believe that the universe is expanding?

Scientists believe the universe is still expanding outward. They believe this outward expansion is the result of a violent, powerful explosion that occurred about 13.7 billion years ago. By looking at an object’s electromagnetic spectrum, scientists can determine if an object is moving away from Earth or towards Earth.

What do we mean when we talk about the expansion of the universe quizlet?

The expansion of the universe means that galaxies are spread apart by the expansion of space between them, rather than galaxies speeding through space to spread apart like an explosion. The expansion of the universe is a property of space itself: the more space between things, the more expansion they will experience.

Why is space expanding?

Astronomers theorize that the faster expansion rate is due to a mysterious, dark force that is pulling galaxies apart. One explanation for dark energy is that it is a property of space. As a result, this form of energy would cause the universe to expand faster and faster.

Is space expanding locally?

So no, matter on a local level isn’t expanding. The spaces between planets and stars isn’t growing. Only the distances between galaxies which aren’t gravitationally bound to each other is increasing. Because space itself is expanding.