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Many physicists assume we must live in a multiverse – but their basic maths may be wrong
(theconversation.com)
this post was submitted on 10 Nov 2023
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Physics
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It's not just our home planet. Because the universe is expanding we won't ever get further than our local group before it's receding faster than the speed of light. Almost all of the universe is inaccessible at liminal speeds.
If I thought the universe was made "for" anything it would probably be black holes.
The point is that you are assuming "inaccessibility" is incompatible with a universe "made for life". But it's entirely possible that inaccessibility is a feature, not a bug.
At the risk of anthopomorphizing, every nonhuman life I'm responsible for is given very little access to move elsewhere. The fish stay in their tank, the dogs stay in the yard, the plants stay in their pots. They are not meant to freely roam (or seed) the rest of my town, much less the universe.
Then why make so much space if it's just going to sit there empty? Seems like quite a waste of effort
Who says the universe is empty? It's mostly inaccessible by humans, but it might be teeming with life. Though not necessarily intelligent life.
There’s not enough density in space for it to sustain life.
Ok, but there are countless planets within that space that might contain life.
And if someone were intentionally trying to prevent life from colonizing other planets, then lots and lots of empty space between planets would be a good solution.
There's so much more empty space than there is planets, though
Yes, that's what it makes it such an effective barrier.