Why is the average density of the universe so important to know?

The actual average density, in stars, galaxies and dark matter, compared to the average density determined from the expansion rate of the universe will tell us whether the universe is destined to expand indefinitely, or someday recollapse. It is one of the most important physical constants in nature because it tells us exactly whether the universe is infinite or finite.


Copyright 1997 Dr. Sten Odenwald
Return to Ask the Astronomer.