New Scientist - Space

Can We Ever Know the Shape of the Universe?

The article examines the ongoing quest to determine the universe's overall geometry, weighing gravity’s pull against dark energy’s expansion. It outlines how cosmic microwave background measurements, galaxy surveys, and supernova observations constrain curvature, suggesting a near‑flat cosmos. Yet the possibility of a finite, unbounded topology—such as a torus—remains open. The piece underscores that despite sophisticated data, a definitive shape remains elusive, keeping the question at the frontier of cosmology.