I disagree that this belongs in Unexplained. Unexplained is for conspiracy theories, UFO's, aliens, and paranormal phenomena. This conversation is about the BB and cosmology. It belongs here, even if the content is unclear, and IMO, wrong (for all the reason's you've expounded Dr. Rocket). I really don't like the idea of sweeping such topics under the rug into unexplained. I'd rather address the subject until it dies it's own natural death, and if the posters insist on taking the topic into other threads, or spawning new ones to try to restart the discussion, that's when I'll just close them down as hijacking.
Remindkevin:
I have a few questions for you. 1st, do you realize that the graphic you're using is based not on a the percieved shape of the universe, but is just an illustration of the expansion of the universe, where the 'width' of the universe is the verticle axis, while TIME is the horizontal? I.e. the bright point on the left where the bell shape tapers isn't a 'center' its a 'beginning'. I'm asking just to make sure the confusion isn't spawned by a misinterpreted diagram.
Second, do you know that ALL observations of the apparent motions of distant galaxies point to the center of origin (i.e. all paths traced back to their origin) is right here, smack dab on earth? These are observations, and must be accounted for by our theories, not the other way around.
This observation leaves us only two possibilities: Either the earth IS the center of the universe, despite it's motion about the sun, it's motion about the galactic disk, and other galaxies tugging on the milky way... Which, on top of the massive egocentricity of the idea, is why this idea is discarded.
OR there is no center, and things are such that any observations from any point will indicate that the center is located there. I.e. EVERYWHERE is the center, just as much as any other point.
The third possibility, that the center is somewhere else, is disproved by the observations, as they all point to earth.
It is because the current, and quite successful BB theory proposes just such an arrangement, that any point can be considered the center, that you're met with such confusion here. I highly suggest borrowing from a library, or buying from a Barnes & Noble astronomy section, a layman's text on the BB and cosmology so you can fully understand the mainstream approaches to the very subjects you're addressing. Then bring questions here as to why you don't get it, or don't think it works. KNOW THY ENEMY! (if it is an enemy :geek: )