What comes next?

Our Universe’s fate most likely depends on what dark energy is and what it does in the future

While astronomers don’t yet know what dark energy really is, it seems it will continue to drive the accelerating expansion of the Universe. One day, the space between stars will be stretched so much that galaxies are torn apart. Then the expanding space between planets will shred entire solar systems. Eventually, the space between electrons and atomic nuclei will be dragged out to such a degree that even atoms can no longer exist. Astronomers call this calamity the Big Rip. In around 22 billion years’ time, the Universe will contain no stars, planets, atoms or lifeforms – an empty, barren cosmic wasteland. This only happens, though, if dark energy continues to be ever more potent. If instead the Universe continues to expand at a steady rate, then we’re looking at…

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BBC Sky at Night United Kingdom (Digital) - 1 Issue, April 2025

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