[RightWhale]

Add to that, the universe appears to be expanding even after the inflation phase. Someone above pointed out that the distant objects are receeding at faster than light speed and so can't be seen. This would put the observable limit of the universe at a particular distance from the observer

[PatrickHenry]

Someone above pointed out that the distant objects are receeding at faster than light speed and so can't be seen. This would put the observable limit of the universe at a particular distance from the observer

I recall that post, but I don't know ... it needs some clarification. I've read that the most distant objects are receding from us at about 70% of lightspeed, judging by their redshifts. (Perhaps those estimates are higher now, it's been a while since I read that.) But let's go with 70%, which means that if you look in the opposite direction and see another such object, those two objects are separating from one another at 140% of lightspeed. So the universe is expanding faster than c, but nothing seems to be receding from us at that speed. At least that's my understanding. I'm sure that if I've got it wrong -- as I often do -- a tactful correction will appear in due course.