New research from Radboud University drastically revises the timeline for the universe's end, predicting its demise in 10^78 years, significantly sooner than previous estimates of 10^1100 years. The study focuses on the eventual extinction of white dwarf stars due to Hawking radiation. While this is far in the future, it prompts discussion about dark energy's role. Recent findings suggest dark energy might be weakening, potentially leading to a universe collapse, or "Big Crunch", rather than indefinite expansion. Ongoing research, including the Euclid mission, aims to clarify dark energy's behavior and the universe's ultimate fate.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.