The edge of the observable universe refers to the furthest distance from which light has had enough time to reach us since the Big Bang. It is determined by the age of the universe and the speed of light. According to current scientific estimates, the observable universe has a radius of approximately 46.5 billion light-years.
However, it's important to note that the observable universe doesn't necessarily represent the extent of the entire universe. The universe may be much larger than the observable universe, but due to the finite speed of light and the expansion of space, we can only observe a limited portion of it.
As for what lies beyond the observable universe, it remains a subject of speculation and debate. There are several possibilities:
The universe could be infinite in size, meaning there is no edge or boundary. In this case, there would be an infinite expanse of space beyond the observable universe.
Another possibility is that the universe is finite but unbounded. This concept is similar to the surface of a sphere, where there is no edge or boundary, but it is still finite. In this scenario, if you were to travel far enough in one direction, you would eventually return to your starting point.
Some theories suggest the existence of a multiverse, a collection of multiple universes, each with its own laws of physics and properties. In this case, what lies beyond our observable universe could be other universes or different regions of a vast and diverse multiverse.
It's important to note that our current understanding of the universe is based on scientific observations and theories, but there is still much we don't know. Exploring the nature of the universe beyond the observable realm is an active area of research in cosmology and theoretical physics.