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The researchers’ theory hinges on dark energy, a mysterious force that makes up about 70 per cent of the known universeCredit: NASA\/WMAP Science Team<\/p>\n
After that point, the universe will begin contracting until everything collapses back into a single point.<\/p>\n
A reverse Big Bang of sorts, which scientists have dubbed the “Big Crunch”. <\/p>\n
Using data from a number of astronomical surveys including the\u00a0Dark Energy\u00a0Survey and the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument, the researchers predict that this “Big Crunch” will occur in approximately 33.3billion years.<\/p>\n
With the universe currently 13.8billion years old, this gives Earth and everything else roughly 20billion years before entering oblivion, according to the study. <\/p>\n
The theory is that the universe expands like a “rubber band” – eventually, the elastic force becomes stronger than the expansion, causing everything to snap back together.<\/p>\n
The researchers’ theory hinges on dark energy, a mysterious force that makes up about 70 per cent of the known universe. <\/p>\n
Dark energy has long been believed to be the driving force behind the expansion of the universe.<\/p>\n
However, recent observations suggest the force might actually be dynamic – meaning it can only expand so much until it shrinks again. <\/p>\n
The new model proposed by researchers suggests the universe will continue expanding but at a gradually slowing rate. <\/p>\n
At its maximum size, about 69 per cent larger than the size it is today, a gradual contraction will begin.<\/p>\n
Mystery Martian hills found on Mars sparking hope ‘time capsule’ mounds will solve biggest mystery from 4BILLION yrs ago<\/p>\n
Several major astronomical projects launching in the coming years aim to provide more information on the behaviour of dark energy. <\/p>\n
These missions could confirm or rule out a “Big Crunch” scenario.<\/p>\n
Even if the terrifying outcome is confirmed, a 20billion year countdown is hardly a reason to panic. <\/p>\n
For context, complex life on Earth has existed for only about 600million years – a fraction of time in comparison. <\/p>\n
20billion years down the line, the Sun will have died and our galaxy will have collided with the neighbouring Andromeda galaxy long before ‘the great end’.<\/p>\n
The prediction also comes with a significant level of uncertainty.<\/p>\n
The researchers have acknowledged that their model has large margins of error due to limited observational data.\u00a0<\/p>\n
So, alternative scenarios – including eternal expansion – are still possible.<\/p>\n
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