ARE WE IN A ‘BOUNCING UNIVERSE’?

1 Inflation Very early in the current universe, something drove the rapid expansion called inflation. The bouncing universe theory suggests this was the pressure of dark energy, which later diminished in strength. 2 Contracting universe According to the theory, the strength and direction of dark energy can oscillate; in the far future, it could effectively reverse, causing space to contract. 3 Big Crunch As the future universe grows smaller, the strength of dark energy increases rapidly. The universe becomes hot and dense once again, and matter is transformed back into pure energy. 4 A fresh start Before space collapses to a singularity, the effect of dark energy reverses and drives a new burst of inflation – the universe is reborn.…

You're reading a preview of

All About Space Annual (Digital) - 1 Issue, All About Space Annual (2024)

DiscountMags is a licensed distributor (not a publisher) of the above content and Publication through Zinio LLC. Accordingly, we have no editorial control over the Publications. Any opinions, advice, statements, services, offers or other information or content expressed or made available by third parties, including those made in Publications offered on our website, are those of the respective author(s) or publisher(s) and not of DiscountMags. DiscountMags does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness, or usefulness of all or any portion of any publication or any services or offers made by third parties, nor will we be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on information contained in any Publication, or your use of services offered, or your acceptance of any offers made through the Service or the Publications. For content removal requests, please contact Zinio.