A new scientific study may change the previously accepted notions about the end of the universe. According to researchers' updated calculations, the end of the universe could occur earlier than previously thought.
Medianews.az, citing "Qafqazinfo," reports that based on research conducted by scientists at the Donostia International Physics Center, it is suggested that the universe may come to an end approximately 33.3 billion years after the Big Bang.
Considering the current age of the universe is estimated to be 13.8 billion years, according to this scenario, about 20 billion years remain.
The main focus in the study is the "Big Crunch" scenario. According to this theory, the current expansion of the universe will stop at some point and an opposite process will begin. As a result, galaxies, stars, and planets will gradually compress toward a single point.
Scientists believe that in the final stage of this process, matter will reach extreme density, and the universe may approach its end by transforming into enormous black holes.
The primary factor determining the fate of the universe is identified as "dark energy." Two main scenarios are discussed in the scientific community: the infinite expansion of the universe and "heat death," or expansion stopping and reversing.
Recent observations may change this balance. Mapping of 47 million galaxies conducted by the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) has shown that dark energy may not be constant.
According to the research results, dark energy may change over time. This increases the likelihood that the expansion of the universe will slow down and even reverse direction.
Simulations indicate that after a certain stage, matter in the universe will condense and gather at a single point. This process could conclude with the final stage called the "singularity."
Scientists note that this scenario has not yet been fully clarified and several alternative models exist.