Will the Universe Ever Stop Expanding?

The expansion of the universe is currently accelerating due to dark energy, a mysterious force pushing galaxies apart. Whether this expansion will ever stop depends on the balance between dark energy and gravity. If dark energy continues to dominate, the universe will expand indefinitely, leading to a "Big Freeze" scenario where galaxies move away from each other at an increasing rate. However, if gravity overcomes dark energy in the distant future, the expansion could slow down and reverse, leading to a "Big Crunch," where the universe collapses in on itself. The fate of the universe hinges on the properties of dark energy, which remain uncertain.
Ongoing observations and theoretical studies aim to shed light on this fundamental question about the ultimate destiny of our universe.
An animated explainer by student Sarelle McCain from the Reynolds School of Journalism at the University of Nevada, Reno.