<p>I think it's useful to realize the meaning of "shape" is not the same as in "what is the shape of this object I'm holding." Because we are a part of the universe, "shape" is about how things work (eg, how light moves through the universe), rather than "is the universe a sphere, cube, hypersphere or some other 'shape'."</p>

<p>This question is probably too broad to be answered here. I suggest reading the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shape_of_the_universe" rel="nofollow">WikiPedia article on the 'Shape of the Universe'</a>.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-10-16T17:08:38.520Z
2013-10-16T17:08:38.520Z
Craig Constantine
<p>What shape does a three dimensional universe have ? and how did scientists determined that it is flat and not curved.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-30T01:33:44.893Z
@TildalWave I interpret it in terms of curvature - i.e. "How is the universe curved?" I think that would be a duplicate of something, though.
HDE 226868
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-10-01T14:34:07.850Z
@HDE226868 It would take about one minute off OP's time, and about 20+ minutes off each attempting to answer it whilst not being sure about its nature. I'd suggest that the former is the better option. ;)
TildalWave
CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-10-16T16:53:52.153Z
Honestly, I haven't a clue what your question is about. Would you please care to clarify what you mean? Thanks.
TildalWave
<universe>
What do shape of universe mean?
Shankar
# What do shape of universe mean?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2013-10-16)

What shape does a three dimensional universe have ? and how did scientists determined that it is flat and not curved.

**Tags:** universe
> **Comments:**
> **username_2**: Honestly, I haven't a clue what your question is about. Would you please care to clarify what you mean? Thanks.  
> **username_1**: @TildalWave I interpret it in terms of curvature - i.e. "How is the universe curved?" I think that would be a duplicate of something, though.  
> **username_2**: @HDE226868 It would take about one minute off OP's time, and about 20+ minutes off each attempting to answer it whilst not being sure about its nature. I'd suggest that the former is the better option. ;)  

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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_3 on 2013-10-16. Score: 1

I think it's useful to realize the meaning of "shape" is not the same as in "what is the shape of this object I'm holding." Because we are a part of the universe, "shape" is about how things work (eg, how light moves through the universe), rather than "is the universe a sphere, cube, hypersphere or some other 'shape'."

This question is probably too broad to be answered here. I suggest reading the [WikiPedia article on the 'Shape of the Universe'](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shape_of_the_universe).


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