Physicists predict cosmic expansion could reverse in 20 billion years (and end everything we know)

IN A WORD

🌌 Physicists propose the universe could possibly collapse under its own gravity due to evolution of dark energy. 🔍 A new model offers a limited lifespan of 33.3 billion years, with less than 20 billion years remaining. 🪐 The study highlights a negative cosmological constant (λ) which could reverse the expansion of the universe. 🔬 The role of axions is explored as they influence the expansion and potential collapse of the universe.

The fate of the universe has long captivated scientists and the general public, giving rise to numerous theories and models for how it might evolve or ultimately come to an end. A recent study suggests an intriguing possibility: the universe could collapse under its own gravity on a limited timetable. This idea challenges the previous belief that the universe would expand indefinitely. New calculations suggest that dark energy, a mysterious force driving the expansion of the universe, could evolve, resulting in a universe with a lifespan of around 33.3 billion years. With the universe currently being 13.8 billion years old, this suggests that there are just under 20 billion years left before a possible cosmic collapse.

The role of dark energy and the cosmological constant

Dark energy, a force that has intrigued scientists for decades, is believed to play a vital role in the expansion of the universe. Recent findings suggest that dark energy may not be constant, as previously thought, but may instead be evolving. This development could lead the universe to collapse, an idea supported by the work of physicists Hoang Nhan Luu, Yu-Cheng Qiu and Henry Tye. According to their model, the influence of dark energy will persist for another 11 billion years, allowing the universe to continue expanding before stopping and changing direction.

The cosmological constant (λ), introduced by Albert Einstein in his theory of general relativity, is at the heart of this discussion. A positive λ supports the expansion of the universe by acting as an external force. However, if λ is negative, it could act as a pulling force, potentially reversing the expansion. Recent observations suggest that dark energy may be associated with a small negative λ, indicating that the expansion of the universe could eventually be halted and reversed.

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Axions and their influence on the universe

The study also introduces axions, ultralight particles that could help explain the current behavior of the universe. Axions are envisioned as a smooth, ghostly field in space, influencing the expansion of the universe. In the proposed model, axions initially drive the expansion of the universe but gradually lose their influence over time. This weakening allows negative λ to take over, eventually stopping the outward expansion of the universe.

Once the axion’s influence diminishes, the universe is expected to contract, which could lead to a Big Crunch. This concept is likened to cycling uphill with a tailwind; as the tailwind diminishes, the climb slows, eventually stopping before a rapid descent. In this scenario, the contraction of the universe would be faster due to the axion’s kinetic energy and increasing gravitational pull, culminating in a cosmic collapse.

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Big Crunch: the opposite of the Big Bang

The Big Crunch is thought to be the reverse of the Big Bang, where all matter in the universe converges into a singularity. This idea challenges the long-held belief that the universe will continue to expand indefinitely. While this theory is captivating, it is essential to note that it remains speculative. The scientific community needs more data to validate the potential evolution of dark energy and the role of axions in the fate of the universe.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the Big Crunch, the possibility of a finite lifespan in the universe offers a potential answer to one of the most important questions in cosmology. Understanding whether the universe has an end is as fascinating as understanding its beginning. As research progresses, scientists hope to better understand the forces that shape the universe and its eventual fate.

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Unanswered Questions and Future Research

Although the study presents a sobering scenario, many questions remain unanswered. The true nature of dark energy is still unknown and it may not involve axions or axion-like particles. Alternative explanations may emerge as more data become available. Researchers must continue to explore and analyze the dynamics of dark energy to better understand its potential evolution and impact on the universe.

The scientific community remains determined to unravel these cosmic mysteries. The implications of the study go beyond theoretical interest, potentially reshaping our understanding of the past, present and future of the universe. As scientists delve deeper into these questions, they strive to answer fundamental questions about the origins and ultimate destiny of the universe.

As we contemplate the potential collapse of the universe, we are left with a profound question: How will our understanding of dark energy and cosmic forces evolve in the years to come, and what new discoveries might change our perception of the fate of the universe?

This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies.

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