Man has long been intrigued by creation myths and astrological predictions. He also seeks to understand the origin and purpose of humanity. The modern cosmological science allows researchers to break free from the limitations of their limited knowledge to actually explore the universe. This is an exciting time in space technology, whether you are a rocket manufacturer or a civilian. Space exploration is a step closer to understanding the origins and destiny of the universe. However, much remains unproven and some things that can be done are still unknown. But, the 20 century has seen a significant shift in our knowledge of the universe. What has happened to our understanding of the universe? The early 20th centuries saw one of the most significant shifts in scientific hypothesis about the universe. Albert Einstein’s theory on relativity suggested that the universe was not static as previously believed. Einstein’s theory of relativity suggested instead that the universe might not have existed at all in its current state, but could have experienced a beginning from which it continued to develop. The universe may continue changing over time, and it could end up in a different place than the one in which it started. Georges Lemaitre, an astronomer and a follower of Einstein’s 1920s research, developed the well-known Big Bang theory. The theory suggested the existence of an explosion as the cause of all things. Robert Wilson and others expanded on this idea in the 1960s. Wilson noted that some galaxies were older than others in the universe. Scientists began looking at how the universe could end after widespread acceptance of the idea that the universe was created as a single point. This theory centers on the idea of invisible matter, and it is likely that the fate of our universe will be determined by its density. Scientists started to wonder, if there was an explosion that created the universe and then expanded outwards over time, what would be its lifespan? Is the expansion natural? Or would it have a rebound effect that causes an end to this growth? In the 1970s, physicist Stephen Hawking began exploring the possibility that radiation was produced by black holes. The radiation they produce affects the gravitational pull of black holes, which in turn influences the vast potential of the universe. Although Hawking’s original work was questioned at first, he went on to become one of the most important physicists in modern times. Hawking produced a number of books and lectures on cosmology. The idea that the universe expands outwardly and is affected by the gravity of matter’s pull was the basis for these concepts. They include, but aren’t limited to: Big Crunch. The Big Crunch was based on the belief that the gravityal pull and denseness of matter in the universe will ultimately cause expansion to rebound on itself. The idea that the universe can only expand up to a point is the basis of this theory. This will cause all matter in the universe to condense quickly into one state. It is this same point from which the Big Bang was believed to originate. The Big Rip The Big Rip supports the notion that the universe can grow infinitely theoretically and is open to expansion. The Big Rip says that such an outcome is unlikely. The expansion will lose momentum gradually until it stops, when the universe will collapse. Continual expansion This theory corresponds to the most modern theories about the future of the universe. The Continual Expandsion theory states that the universe can grow infinitely and is flat, as implied by increased acceleration. Further studies have shown that the universe doesn’t contain enough matter to prevent endless expansion. There are still questions about dark matter, as the gravitational force that drives it is not known. Time Barrier Theory One theory suggests that the fate of the universe is decided when the expansion crosses over the time barrier. Multiverse Theory: The idea that there is an infinite number of dimensions. This theory supports this idea. This theory is supported by proponents who believe it will occur within the next 3 billion years, but they cannot predict when. The ultimate destiny of the universe remains unknown. Cosmology and Physics are helping us to understand more pieces of this puzzle. Our knowledge of the universe is limited and it remains open to debate. Final Call What do you believe will happen to the universe? Which elements of Cosmology fascinate and excite you the most? Let us know in the comments. Similar Articles: The Universe doesn’t expand in the same direction as it used to.
