<p>I have started learning about astronomy as it amazes and inspires me.</p>
<p>I have a question. What led us to believe that spacetime is <em>fabric</em>? What is the evidence shows this, and is it considered proven?</p>
<p>If possible Send me the link for research papers so I can learn more.</p>
<p>Please explain in layman's term as I am not a astronomy student but a biology student.</p>
<p>Also let me know books that I can be read.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2021-03-28T06:44:15.070Z
Hello.  Your question has already been answered on [physics.se]   Take a look at https://physics.stackexchange.com/questions/309369/the-fabric-of-space-time The short answer is that "fabric" is a layperson's metaphor, not a scientific term.  If you feel that that doesn't answer your question, please explain further.
James K
CC BY-SA 4.0
2021-03-28T18:10:03.200Z
@JamesK An analogy, maybe? Analogies, metaphors, and similes can all be useful in understanding, but only should never take them as literal. Consider this conversation: "I invited your cousin Joe and his wife for dinner tomorrow." "Oh no! He eats like a horse! I don't have enough food for that!" This is not saying that Joe is a subspecies of *Equus ferus*.
David Hammen
CC BY-SA 4.0
2021-03-29T18:06:00.380Z
I think the word "fabric" in the expression "the fabric of spacetime" is a metaphor.  The idea that the "fabric of spacetime can be treated like a rubbersheet that bends and, as a result, causes objects to follow paths that appear curved." is an analogy, and a problematic one at best.  See the longer discussions on [physics.se]
James K
CC BY-SA 4.0
2021-03-29T19:00:12.053Z
The word 'fabric' is not a layperson's metaphor but frequently used by physicists (see for instance https://www.elsevier.com/books/particle-physics-and-cosmology-the-fabric-of-spacetime/bernardeau/978-0-444-53007-3. ) So I don't know why this question has been closed. To me it is very clear what the OP is asking.
Thomas
<astrophysics><space-time><general-relativity><space>
How do we know that spacetime is fabric?
Maharshi
# How do we know that spacetime is fabric?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2021-03-28)

I have started learning about astronomy as it amazes and inspires me.

I have a question. What led us to believe that spacetime is *fabric*? What is the evidence shows this, and is it considered proven?

If possible Send me the link for research papers so I can learn more.

Please explain in layman's term as I am not a astronomy student but a biology student.

Also let me know books that I can be read.

**Tags:** astrophysics, space-time, general-relativity, space

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Hello.  Your question has already been answered on [physics.se]   Take a look at https://physics.stackexchange.com/questions/309369/the-fabric-of-space-time The short answer is that "fabric" is a layperson's metaphor, not a scientific term.  If you feel that that doesn't answer your question, please explain further.  
> **username_2**: @username_1 An analogy, maybe? Analogies, metaphors, and similes can all be useful in understanding, but only should never take them as literal. Consider this conversation: "I invited your cousin Joe and his wife for dinner tomorrow." "Oh no! He eats like a horse! I don't have enough food for that!" This is not saying that Joe is a subspecies of *Equus ferus*.  
> **username_1**: I think the word "fabric" in the expression "the fabric of spacetime" is a metaphor.  The idea that the "fabric of spacetime can be treated like a rubbersheet that bends and, as a result, causes objects to follow paths that appear curved." is an analogy, and a problematic one at best.  See the longer discussions on [physics.se]  
> **username_3**: The word 'fabric' is not a layperson's metaphor but frequently used by physicists (see for instance https://www.elsevier.com/books/particle-physics-and-cosmology-the-fabric-of-spacetime/bernardeau/978-0-444-53007-3. ) So I don't know why this question has been closed. To me it is very clear what the OP is asking.  

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