Infinite Real Projective Space
The infinite real projective space is constructed as the direct limit or union of the finite projective spaces:
Topologically, this space is double-covered by the infinite sphere, which is contractible. The infinite projective space is therefore the Eilenberg-MacLane space and it is BO(1), the classifying space for line bundles. More generally, the infinite Grassmannians are the classifying spaces for finite rank vector bundles.
Its cohomology ring modulo 2 is
where is the first Stiefel–Whitney class: it is the free -algebra on, which has degree 1.
Read more about this topic: Real Projective Space
Famous quotes containing the words infinite, real and/or space:
“When I consider the short duration of my life, swallowed up in the eternity before and after, the little space which I fill and even can see, engulfed in the infinite immensity of spaces of which I am ignorant and which know me not, I am frightened and am astonished at being here rather than there. For there is no reason why here rather than there, why now rather than then.”
—Blaise Pascal (16231662)
“The symbolic view of things is a consequence of long absorption in images. Is sign language the real language of Paradise?”
—Hugo Ball (18861927)
“I would have broke mine eye-strings, cracked them, but
To look upon him, till the diminution
Of space had pointed him sharp as my needle;
Nay, followed him till he had melted from
The smallness of a gnat to air, and then
Have turned mine eye and wept.”
—William Shakespeare (15641616)