Infinite universe but finite beginning?

[julcab12]

The present idea suggests we live in a special time...

First there is nothing
Then the Big Bang
Then acceleration of expansion (short fast inflation)
Then deceleration of expansion (and formation of structure)
Later, acceleration of expansion (long (infinite?) slow, dark energy)
Eventually, this acceleration of expansion has the universe approaching total vacuum (back to nothing)

... It becomes mentally complicated when you use 'start and so on'/'nothing'. Try replacing 'nothing' to 'Everything' and the progression to 'phases/transitions'.

 

[bahamagreen]

What do you mean?

If there is anything, then everything cannot include nothing.

But if there is nothing, that includes everything... :)

 

[phinds]

No, but we can say that our current best-fit model of the universe has it being spatially infinite. The "error bars" around the best-fit model are large enough, however, to include the possibility that it is finite.

Agreed. I was more making the point that it is not known for a fact either way.