How will the world come to a close? While some, like Robert Frost, have elaborated poetically on the conclusion of life on Earth—whether by fire or ice—others have turned to science for answers to this enigma. Additionally, there are those who are considering the broader context, trying to determine when the entire universe will cease to exist. A recent study now suggests that the universe itself may begin to shrink within the next 7 billion years, culminating in what scientists term “the Big Crunch.”
This research was conducted by physicists from Cornell University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and numerous other organizations. Utilizing data gathered from a variety of astronomical surveys, including the Dark Energy Survey, the researchers have devised a new model that forecasts the universe will conclude with what many scientists have long speculated will be a “Big Crunch.” The model indicates that the universe is expected to end approximately 33.3 billion years following the Big Bang.
Starting from that timeline, the researchers proceeded to examine the past. At present, the age of the universe is estimated to be around 13.8 billion years. Taking that figure alongside the model’s projection of the universe’s termination, we are left with an approximate 20 billion years before the universe collapses inwards. This study, along with the concept of the “Big Crunch,” contests previously held beliefs that the universe will indefinitely expand, ultimately resulting in a “Big Freeze.”
On the contrary, the scientists predict that the universe will persist in its expansion for another 7 billion years. Subsequently, the universe will commence contracting. In essence, it will implode until only a singular point remains, annihilating everything. It is a fascinating and somewhat daunting theory, even if we do not anticipate it occurring within our own lifetimes.
A simple way to visualize this is to think of the universe as a colossal rubber band. As the universe expands, the rubber band stretches. However, it will eventually arrive at a stage where it can no longer be stretched, compelling the band to exert more force than its expansion. This will then lead to everything retracting back together.
It’s a rather sorrowful notion for the universe’s finale, and I can hardly fathom what it would actually look like if there were a way to witness the event. Fortunately, this is not something we need to fret over, and this research is far from definitive evidence that this scenario will unfold. For all we know, the theories could be flawed, and the universe may very well continue to expand endlessly.
