eli5 does space only curve in one direction?

Question

graphics about black holes or planets’ influence on gravity, etc., always show these bodies “sitting” on a flat surface and then bending that surface below them. is this a literal representation – ie is there a definitive “down” direction that always dips under the objects’ mass? or does it happen in multiple directions somehow? (or am i misunderstanding something fundamental about this curving?)

In: Physics

Answer 1

The curvature of space happens in 4 dimensions. You will never see a literal representation of it because it’s impossible. There is no “down” in space. Gravity works around the entire object.