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In [[medieval]] [[Christian]] [[cosmology]], the '''Empyrean''' was the name given to the outermost part of [[Heaven]], beyond the [[star]]s and even beyond the 'first mover' or ''primum mobile''. Since [[time]] was thought to be created by the motion of the ''primum mobile'', the Empyrean was conjectured to be outside time - an eternal place where [[God]] and other [[divine]] beings dwelt.

In [[medieval]] [[Christian]] [[cosmology]], the '''Empyrean''' was the name given to the outermost part of [[Heaven]], beyond the [[star]]s and even beyond the 'first mover' or ''primum mobile''. Since [[time]] was thought to be created by the motion of the ''primum mobile'', the Empyrean was conjectured to be outside time - an eternal place where [[God]] and other [[divine]] beings dwelt.

Now that more is known about [[outer space]], Christians no longer believe in an Empyrean that could be physically reached by simply going in a straight line away from [[Earth]]. However, the idea of Heaven (and perhaps [[Hell]]) being in a timeless zone still features in conjectures about [[God]] and the afterlife.

Now that more is known about [[outer space]], Christians no longer believe in an Empyrean that could be physically reached by simply going in a straight line away from [[Earth]]. However, the idea of Heaven (and perhaps [[Hell]]) being ''somewhere'' in a timeless zone still features in conjectures about [[God]] and the afterlife.

The Empyrean has its equivalent in secular cosmology in speculation about what might lie beyond the boundaries of the [[universe]], if such a place could ever be reached.

The Empyrean has its equivalent in secular cosmology in speculation about what might lie beyond the boundaries of the [[universe]], if such a place could ever be reached.