Expert: Ed - 2/14/2007

Question
I dont get it. If the furthest object in the universe (quazar) is 14bn liteyrs away, then the light we see today left 14bn yrs ago. 1) But at that time it was beside us because everthing was in one place 14ny yrs ago at big bang - so how could it be 14bt liteyears away? 2) Are we saying it travelled at the speed of light to be 14bn liteyrs away from us within the 14bn yr period since the bang? I understand red shift and all that - but still dont get it.

Answer
Mark,

Yes, this topic is a total mind-scrambler.  I don't think many people understand this.  Even some astronomers are probably faking it.

One thing that might help you deal with this, is to think about the concept that Spacetime itself is expanding.  This appears to violate special relativity, but in terms of general relativity, all the equations work out.

Look at these links right now.  Study them carefully, I think they answer your question.
http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/mystery_monday_040524.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Expanding_universe

This may be sufficient to answer your query.  I need to go outsde and shovel snow right now, but please get back to me fast if you want more from me.

Keep Looking Up!
--Ed