A new study suggests that the universe may end much earlier than scientists previously predicted, even though the timeline is still extremely long. The findings change old theories about the cosmos using new models that explain how cosmic structure may gradually decay.
When will the universe end?
Scientists previously estimated that the universe would last around 10¹¹⁰⁰ years. However, a new study in the Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics suggests it may end around 10⁷⁸ years from now, much earlier than previous predictions.
Why has the estimate changed
The study is based on Hawking radiation introduced by Stephen Hawking, which explains that black holes emit particles, lose mass, and slowly disappear over time.
Scientists at Radboud University argue that a similar radiation-like effect could also affect other gravitational objects, not just black holes, potentially changing how long different celestial bodies last.
What objects are affected
The study examined several types of celestial objects, including white dwarf stars, which are dense remnants of stars like the Sun and may evaporate in about 10⁷⁸ years.
What it means
The universe is currently about 13.8 billion years old, or 10¹⁰ years, and even with the revised estimate, the end of the universe remains extremely far. However, Lead researcher Heino Falcke suggest it may not last as long as previously predicted.
Social media reactions
Social media users are reacting to the findings of the new study.
One user wrote, "Most of us alive today would be dead way before that 5B year mark."
Another person said, "Eventually, the Big Bang theory will likely turn out to be incomplete. As our tools, observations and models improve, parts of them will be refined, expanded, or even replaced by a deeper framework that explains what came before or beyond the Big Bang itself. Much like earlier breakthroughs in physics, today’s "best explanation" is probably just a step toward something more fundamental."
A third user added, "Well, good, now we can stop worrying about climate change."
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