Our universe was created by a collosal explosion of matter 13 billion years ago called the big bang. In that time, this matter has expanded to a width of over 1666000 light years.

It is only as big as it has to be to contain the matter within. Anything beyond that matter doesnt exist because it doesnt have to. And as long as matter keeps expanding outwards, the universe will continue to grow with it, so that boundary of the universe will never be reached. So technically its finite, but naturally infinite.

This is one with which I can agree - no argument.

The universe is infinite. It doesn't only exist where there is matter, also where fields are.
At least double 13bilj lighty., we can look in opposite directions.
If you look at a star at 'our' edge 13 bilj lighty. away, there's a boundary, our horizon. But the creatures that live there also can look in two opposite directions; ours and even further away.
If you would freeze the universe and travel there, the horizon-'bubble' would travel with you.
The universe has since its beginning been infinite, but also expanding. The 13bilj only tells you how old the universe is and how far you can see, not how big it is.

i have never heard limits being placed upon the universe be done so beautifully. i believe that there is no end to planets and anything but will not argue with you as i think that in a way you agree with me.i dont believe in the big bang however. more sort of lots of small one.

so...is the amount of matter available to the universe infinite? what about energy? how much energy is required to keep expanding infinite matter infinitely?
To tag something in this universe as infinite, even the universe itself, is to say it never began, will never end and has always existed. I can't think of anything I would describe that way but if someone ever does (with a straight face) then time travel will be possible and we will know the mind of the creator.

Matter and energy are one in the same thing. The famous equation E=mc2 gives a direct relationship between the two. One of the functions of CERN is to find the Higgs boson, a theoretical exchange particle responsible for defining what "stuff" is. So far, nobody knows.

Theoretical...

yes

the idea that we can create a situation in a particle accelerator that gives any real idea about how the universe works is...stunning

Look up, do you really see a big bang?
I see a vast machine, creating and destroying.

there is no end without a beginning.

Dawn

The farther we see, or the closer we look, the more missing variables we expose. Is there no end to our mounting ignorance and increased awareness of it.

To presume we are able to discuss the limitations of the word universe, which is a human construct, with access to the variables, is obviously a misconception, and while it may be stimulating the creative self, I wonder if we could not be spending our time searching and discovering the information we have access to, on things like the chronological timelines of anything that arouses your curosity, although thats what we try to do on the subject of time travel, when observed closer opens up access to more variables than the words would mean to people at first thought.

My first reaction about time travel, worm holes, black holes, einsteins, and hawkins, thoughts or not, on the matter put it in the realm of " ways to think about meaningless subjects " but reading all the posts, while some may only be interpretable to the author, they do bring other thoughts to mind,

I have changed my very concept of time travel, given all the implications exposed by the authors on this post, and find it interesting, although some, to me seem to be counter productive, but thats just me, the only person I can speak for.

The, big bang theory, ? I have no concept as to its possibility as it is embedded with so many theoretical concepts, at the math stage of such a concept, I can only say I have yet to see any supportative data from any source, indicating it validity. To me its just so many words, You can say anything, this is the best example I see

Big Bang Theory?

Seems to me to be a revamp of Creationism.

Excuse me if I presume too much from your post, but I agree with what you say, as I see it in general.

For me?

I tend to see Steady State as a more viable theory.

My analogy is a forest (the universe).

At any moment a tree falls over (a star or just a planet gets destroyed) but overall the forest/universe just goes on.

Ultimately I don't know, but I severely doubt "Big Bang" and all that goes with it.

I think you must make Content Discover Channel to how big is the universe ?