How Big Is the Universe?

We all know that the universe is mind-bogglingly gigantic, but how *exactly* mind-bogglingly gigantic is it? Let Hank fill you in on the details that scientists have worked out!

Is the Universe Expanding?:

----------
Dooblydoo thanks go to the following Patreon supporters -- we couldn't make SciShow without them! Shout out to Justin Ove, Justin Lentz, David Campos, Chris Peters, Philippe von Bergen, Fatima Iqbal, John Murrin, Linnea Boyev, and Kathy & Tim Philip.
----------

Or help support us by becoming our patron on Patreon:
----------
Looking for SciShow elsewhere on the internet?

Media:

[kcwidman]

Anyone catch that the balloon clip was played backwards and the air was being released? Clever sci show. Nice one.

[liquidminds]

the universe is vast. but my pizza still takes 20 minutes to be delivered. so what does it matter? It can't make pizza taste more pizza.
edit: pizza just came. praise the universe

[cortster]

My mother admitted she has never been curious about the stars. Ever. It makes it very hard to relate to her.

[mjcbb]

I was expecting the intro to be NO EDGE

[kingj]

I've heard a lot of this stuff before, but the one thing that boggled my mind is the universe expanding faster than the speed of light- that doesn't even seem possible.

[Starchface]

Writers, good job explaining a complicated topic in a clear and concise manner. Hank, good job..being you. :D

[MrxstGrssmnstMttckstPhlNelThot]

[The Universe] is big. Really big. You just won't believe how vastly, hugely, mind-bogglingly big it is. I mean, you may think it's a long way down the road to the chemist, but that's just peanuts to space. Listen.. And so on...

[aussiebaka]

You're creeping me out, Hank. I googled this like 15 minutes before you uploaded this video. And now here you are, explaining what the Googles told me.

[swsephy]

I'm a space pirate. gimme your space booty.

[nerdon]

Hey SciShow Space, could you make an episode about the shape of our galaxy and how we know it?

I couldn't stop myself from asking that seeing how early I am here, hope you'll see it guys, you're awesome :D

[JustinWillis_actual]

If space is expanding, does that mean that the space I'm occupying is also expanding? Does that mean I am growing ever so slightly larger with respect to the fabric of space?

[williamsati]

Thanks! I've watched a lot of videos recently concerning topics mentioned here, and although somewhat understanding them, I never was able to form a clear picture of everything working together in my mind. this video really sums many elements up in a clear picture that I feel has helped me understand much more clearly what is happening in the universe and what astronomers have been able to figure out as well as how. Thanks again :)

[Sanngot]

Too big. C'mon universe, calm the fuck down.

[caleblimb]

That way they inflated the balloon though. 2:45
I wish I could do that in real life.

[xmaddiejanex]

"Have you ever look at the sky and pondered how big the universe is?"

Me: Well I haven't

"It's almost impossible not to!"

Me: Does this make me special? Because I haven't."

[scottvelez]

If the Universe has an edge I'd think reaching it would be hardcore and edgy.

[Leroy_Jackson]

The best explanation I've heard, well done!

[belzykdg]

My favorite Theory is that each and every Black Hole is a Universe. And that our Big Bang was the start of a black hole.

[Twisted]

I wonder if this is how all sentient species die. Realising their quest for knowledge is futile.

[historywithrae]

who cares how large the universe actually is
think about it how large is your bank account?