Astronomers find that the universe is 'slowly dying'

The end is nigh, scientists announced.

A team of astronomers presenting their research at the International Astronomical Union's General Assembly in Hawaii revealed that, after studying 200,000 galaxies, they discovered that the energy in space is only half of what it was two billion years ago, and it's still fading. Translation: "The Universe is slowly dying."

"The Universe is fated to decline from here on in, like an old age that lasts forever," said Simon Driver, the professor who headed the Galaxy and Mass Assembly project. "The Universe has basically plonked itself down on the sofa, pulled up a blanket and is about to nod off for an eternal doze."

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up

Though the scientists can't say exactly when that "eternal doze" will set in completely, rest assured it won't happen in our lifetimes.