I'm too dumb to be an atheist

[Alex K]

Since I'm terrible at explaining things, I found a good resource.

http://map.gsfc.nasa.gov/universe/uni_shape.html

I was always under the impression that the universe was infinite and constantly expanding, as well. From the books I've read, anyway.

Omg that nasa page is wrong! Flat geometry does not imply noncompact topology(ie infinite spatial extent)! I'll write them, maybe they'll answer then I post it

Ok, so I've written them and complained
Maybe they'll respond, then I'll post it in a new thread if they give permission.

Dear Dr. Chuss,

I have a quick question concerning the NASA popular science page

http://map.gsfc.nasa.gov/universe/uni_shape.html

on the shape of the universe. Your name was given as
the NASA official, which is why I write to you.

In the past weeks
I participated in some (online) discussions concerning the finiteness
of the universe and the philosophical consequences which measurements
of curvature might yield. One of the participants linked to the above
NASA page to argue that a flat universe would indicate a universe
of infinite volume. This is indeed stated on the page, which essentially
equates open and flat geometry with infinite geometry.

As far as I am aware, there are various compact d=3 manifolds with
flat ricci curvature which could be realized in nature if the universe is indeed
flat (the simplest being the three-torus). My question is therefore: is there
any particular physical or mathematical reason which I miss why your
webpage claims that flat or hyperbolic geometry automatically
entails infinite volume?
Since I am somewhat involved in science outreach, and such questions
crop up regularly, It would be a great help if you could comment briefly!

Cheers
Alex K