Scientists have recalculated when the universe is expected to end, predicting it will happen about 10,000 years earlier than previously thought. The new estimate suggests that on a cosmic timescale, this would still be an extremely far-off future.
The study, led by Heino Falcke from Radboud University in the Netherlands, focuses on the decay of white dwarfs and neutron stars, which are the remnants of dead stars. According to Hawking radiation theory, these objects will eventually fade away over incredibly long timescales.
However, the team’s new findings show that both white dwarf stars and stellar-mass black holes decay at a similar rate, taking around 10^67 years to dissolve into nothingness. This was unexpected, as black holes were thought to evaporate faster due to their strong gravitational fields.
The discovery is significant, as it challenges previous assumptions about the behavior of these cosmic objects. The team’s findings offer new insights into the ultimate fate of the universe and raise questions about the nature of permanence and meaning in our understanding of the cosmos.
While the estimated time for the universe’s end remains mind-bogglingly long, this new calculation highlights the ongoing quest to unravel the mysteries of the universe. By exploring these fundamental questions, scientists can gain a deeper understanding of the cosmos and our place within it.
Source: https://www.space.com/astronomy/scientists-calculate-when-the-universe-will-end-its-sooner-than-expected