The universe is projected to continue its expansion, ultimately leading to a scenario where it could tear itself apart in approximately 22 billion years. However, recent research from Danish scientists introduces a more unsettling possibility: an expanding bubble of “existential doom” could cause the universe to collapse into a minuscule point. Alarmingly, this new study suggests that the likelihood of such a collapse is greater than previously estimated.
Revisiting Collapse Theories
While the concept of the universe collapsing isn’t novel, the latest findings from researchers at the University of Southern Denmark indicate that earlier calculations were incomplete. Their refined analysis reveals two critical insights: first, that the universe is likely to collapse; and second, that this probability is now deemed higher than past predictions suggested. This research builds upon existing theories, including the Big Crunch, which posits that if the universe’s density exceeds a certain threshold, gravitational forces could eventually reverse its expansion and lead to a catastrophic contraction[1][4].
Methodology of New Research
To arrive at their conclusions, the Danish scientists examined three key equations integral to cosmological theories, including beta functions that describe interactions between fundamental particles like electrons and Higgs bosons. By analyzing these equations simultaneously rather than in isolation, they uncovered a significantly increased probability of a universal collapse[5]. This approach marks a departure from traditional methods that often considered these equations separately.
The Nature of Collapse
The collapse theory discussed in this research diverges from the classic Big Crunch narrative. Instead, it suggests a radical shift in universal forces that would dramatically increase the mass of every particle within the cosmos—everything from atoms in our bodies to particles in stars would become millions of billions of times heavier. This transition would create immense gravitational forces, ultimately compressing all matter into an extremely hot and dense state—effectively marking an end to the universe as we understand it[2][6].
Mechanism Behind the Collapse
This potential phase transition could occur if a bubble forms where the Higgs field—the field associated with the Higgs boson—achieves a different energy state compared to the surrounding universe. If this new state is lower in energy and the bubble is sufficiently large, it could expand at light speed, engulfing everything in its path. As matter within this bubble experiences drastic increases in weight, it will coalesce into supermassive centers that attract one another, culminating in a singularity—a tiny, hot ball devoid of useful properties[7][9].
Current Implications
What’s particularly striking about this theory is its immediacy. According to Jens Frederik Colding Krog, a PhD student involved in the research, “The phase transition will start somewhere in the universe and spread from there.” He speculates that this collapse could already be underway, potentially occurring at this very moment or starting far away in billions of years[5]. The implications are profound; should there exist undiscovered elementary particles that counteract this process, they might prevent such a catastrophic outcome.
Conclusion
In summary, while theories about cosmic expansion and eventual collapse have been part of scientific discourse for decades, recent advancements in understanding the Higgs field and its interactions have led to alarming new insights. The possibility of an impending cosmic collapse challenges our understanding of physics and raises fundamental questions about the nature of our universe’s fate. As research continues to evolve, scientists remain vigilant for signs that could indicate whether we are indeed on the brink of such a transformation or if other unknown factors might alter this dire trajectory[3][8].
Perhaps aliens aren’t visiting us because they have bigger things to do. We can only hope that there are some Type III civilizations working on this because we can barely get off our own planet. We couldn’t even defend our world from the larger killer asteroids at this point.
Read More
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Crunch
[2] https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/162106/gravity-have-saved-universe-after-big/
[3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXzV7zdl4oU
[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultimate_fate_of_the_universe
[5] https://www.wired.com/story/how-will-universe-end/
[6] https://openresearch.amsterdam/image/2018/8/15/08_studies_differences_the_sense_of_sound.pdf
[7] https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/topics/how-will-universe-end
[8] https://science.ku.dk/english/press/news/2024/complete-stellar-collapse-unusual-star-system-proves-that-stars-can-die-quietly/
[9] https://wmap.gsfc.nasa.gov/universe/uni_fate.html