Over the past few decades, the prevailing theory has been that our Universe will expand forever. However, recent studies of dark energy are forcing scientists to rethink this scenario.
A group of physicists from Cornell University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and the International Center for Physics in Donostia have proposed a model according to which the Universe awaits a radically different fate — collapse. According to their calculations, published in the Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics, the life of our Universe is limited to just 33.3 billion years. As it has been 13.8 billion years since the Big Bang, there are less than 20 billion years left until the end.
Mysterious force that rules the Universe
The key to this theory is the cosmological constant, which is designated by the Greek letter λ (lambda). It describes the influence of dark energy. If we consider it positive, it pushes the Universe outward, accelerating its expansion. However, new data indicate the possibility that λ is negative. In this case, it works like gravity, constantly pulling inward and slowing down expansion.
Scientists have introduced an ultralight axion field into the model to explain why we are currently observing expansion. These hypothetical particles gave the Universe a powerful push outward at the beginning of its history. Nowadays, the axions are the main players, making space expand faster and faster. But their influence is slowly fading. In approximately 11 billion years, the decelerating force of negative λ will prevail. The Universe will reach its maximum size (1.7 times larger than its current size), stop expanding, and begin to contract.
Quick final and uncertainty
The contraction phase will be significantly more dynamic than the expansion. The collapse process will take “only” 8 billion years and will end with the Big Crunch — the opposite of the Big Bang, when all matter will be compressed into an infinitely dense point.
It is important to understand that this is only one of several possible scenarios. It will only become reality if the hints about the evolution of dark energy are confirmed. Further research and data analysis are now needed. However, this model provides a possible answer to one of the most fundamental questions: whether the Universe has an end. And it appears that the answer may be affirmative.
Earlier, we reported on how other scientists assured us that the Universe would have a longer lifespan.
According to Science Alert
