[Joe L. Ogan (OP)]

I asked this question at "Ask a Scientist" and received an answer that three shapes have been considered:  Flat Shape, Saddle Shape, Global Shape.  I have no knowledge of anything existing in the Universe in the Flat shape or the Saddle Shape.  Is it most likely that the shape of the Universe will be a global shape?  Thanks.  Joe L. Ogan

[sadarian]

Can't answer this myself, but here's an interesting article that seems to indicate the Universe is most likely flat.  I would've thought it was more globe shaped myself!


http://map.gsfc.nasa.gov/universe/uni_shape.html [nofollow]http:// [nofollow]

[Mr. Scientist]

Joe, i've answered this for you before...

Well, space probably has some kind of shape.. the there is the saddle-shape for instance. According to the math, if Omega is found less than 1, then it has a negative curvature and so will have a shape like a saddle. According to the geometry of this universe, parallel lines do not meet and the interior angles of the triangles sum up to less than 180 degrees. There are three distinct existences, open, (the one which has a saddle-shape). Open just means that the universe will continue to expand so:

The evolution of the universe depends on three mathematical states.

If Omega is is equal to 1, then it will be flat and expand forever (1). And if Omega is less than 1, then it will result in a big freeze. But if Omega is greater than 1, then it will experience a gravitational collapse.

(1) - all observational evidence points to expanding forever unless effected by a big rip.

[Soul Surfer]

I wish we knew! There are lots of attempts to guess or find out by obsevation or model but nothing solid yet.  My guess is probably toroidal  a bit like a doughnut.

[LeeE]

With the accelerating expansion of the universe, it now seems that the shape is probably best described as bell-shaped albeit in four dimensions, rather than just three.