Summary
Does the universe have frontiers ? Is it finite or infinite ? Two French astrophysicists, Marc Lachièze-Ray and Jean-Pierre Luminet, try to resolve this enigma and present their theory.
Light, which propagate through the universe, enabled us to visualize the properties of space and the scientists already know cosmic optical illusions, which, for instance give birth to ghost images of galaxies. If space has a folded-in topology, light can go round through space several times et give ghost images for each revolution.
So, a true finite universe with a polyhedral shape can be seen by the play of light as an infinite universe, similar to a giant crystal.
Light, which propagate through the universe, enabled us to visualize the properties of space and the scientists already know cosmic optical illusions, which, for instance give birth to ghost images of galaxies. If space has a folded-in topology, light can go round through space several times et give ghost images for each revolution.
So, a true finite universe with a polyhedral shape can be seen by the play of light as an infinite universe, similar to a giant crystal.
