The universe has been expanding for more than 13 billion years, but that could change, according to a new research paper. This is the theory of a trio of scientists who have tried to map dark energy – one of the greatest mysteries of space. The elusive form of energy has caused the expansion of the universe to accelerate over time.
But researchers say they have found evidence that its repulsive power can weaken.
According to their model, the universe may stop expanding over the next 65 million years.
Researchers then believe that within 100 million years the universe could enter a new phase of contraction in billions of years.
This, they say, could mark the deal of the universe and everything in it, or the rebirth of space and time.
And all of this could happen “remarkably soon,” according to study co-author Paul Steinhard.
He said: “Going back 65 million years, the asteroid Chicxulub hit Earth and eliminated the dinosaurs.
“On a cosmic scale, 65 million years is remarkably short.”
For now, this can only be a theory, experts say – because it is impossible to test.
Dark energy has puzzled scientists for years trying to explain why the universe is accelerating.
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Then two things could happen, experts say.
Either the universe shrinks as it collapses into a “Great Crisis” that ends life as we know it – or the universe shrinks enough to return to a state similar to its original conditions and a new Big Bang.
The Great Depression is not a new theory, but it has historically been rejected for lack of evidence.
A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences may change that.
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