Ep 2. Is There an Edge to the Universe?

Through the Wormhole season 2 episode 2, "Is There an Edge to the Universe?" deals with one of the most intriguing questions in the field of astrophysics: Is the universe infinite or does it have an edge?

The episode starts with the narration of the host and scientific expert, Morgan Freeman, who tells us that the universe is expanding, but scientists are still unsure about its shape and size. Through interviews with various experts in the field, the show explores various theories and hypotheses surrounding the nature of the universe.

To answer this question, the show begins in our own solar system and explains the concept of the "observable universe." It is the part of the universe that we can see and study, and it is defined by the distance light has traveled since the Big Bang. This distance is currently estimated to be around 46.5 billion light-years in all directions.

As we delve deeper into the show, we learn about the concept of the cosmic microwave background radiation. This radiation is leftover heat from the Big Bang, and it provides critical information about the history and nature of the universe. From studying the cosmic microwave background radiation, scientists estimate that the universe is actually flat and that it extends infinitely in all directions.

However, there are competing ideas that question this assumption. Some theories suggest that the universe is actually curved, and depending on the curvature, it could be finite or infinite. The show also discusses the possibility that the universe is like a multiverse with an infinite number of parallel universes.

In the middle of the episode, there is a special focus on the Big Bang theory. The experts explain how this event occurred and how it caused the universe to expand. They also clarify that the Big Bang was not really an explosion that happened at a specific location but rather the universe's sudden appearance at a single point.

In the second half of the episode, the focus shifts to the cutting-edge research in astrophysics. The show talks about the strange phenomenon of dark matter, which is believed to make up a significant percentage of the universe's mass but cannot be detected directly. The existence of dark matter provides strong evidence that the universe extends beyond what we can currently observe.

The episode ends with a discussion about the possibility of a "cosmic edge," a boundary beyond which the universe doesn't exist. The concept of the cosmic edge is highly debated, and there is no definitive proof for or against it. However, the idea of a cosmic edge presents the intriguing possibility that there might be other universes beyond our own.

In conclusion, "Is There an Edge to the Universe?" is an informative and thought-provoking episode that delves deep into the mysteries of the universe. With the help of compelling visuals and expert commentary, the show takes the viewers on a journey through time and space, offering various perspectives on the nature of the universe.