The Fate of the Universe

The fate of the universe: THE "BIG RIP" Three scenarios Strengthening dark energy speeds up the universe, causing it to break apart suddenly Big Bang 10 billion years ago Present Future EINSTEN'S MODEL The universe expands more gradually, in balance with gravity Supernova ACCELERATION THE BIG CRUNCH As dark energy weakens, gravity DECELERATION causes the universe Many precise observations of to collapse supernovae are needed to determine which path the universe will take. Einstein's theory "Big crunch" Present Future→ Rate of expanslon of the Unlverse "Big rip"