Cornell study finds universe could end in 'Big Crunch,' upending long-held theories

The universe may be nearing its midlife point and is on a trajectory to eventually collapse into a single point, according to a Cornell University physicist.

Professor Henry Tye calculates that the cosmos has a total lifespan of approximately 33 billion years. Based on new data from major dark energy observatories, Tye concluded the universe will expand for another 11 billion years before reaching its maximum size and starting to contract.

The findings challenge the prevailing scientific belief of the last two decades that the universe would expand forever. Data from the Dark Energy Survey (DES) and the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) suggest the "cosmological constant" may be negative rather than positive.

This "Big Crunch" scenario suggests the final collapse will occur in about 20 billion years. Tye and his colleagues proposed the existence of a hypothetical ultra-low mass particle to explain the latest astronomical observations.

If validated, these findings signal a fundamental paradigm shift in modern cosmology. For decades, the prevailing consensus has been defined by the model of an eternally expanding universe, underpinned by a positive cosmological constant. Research led by Henry Tye directly challenges this orthodoxy, leveraging the latest empirical data from the Dark Energy Survey (DES) and the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI).

This development underscores the inherent strength of the scientific method: the reality that even the most entrenched theories are subject to upheaval when confronted with new evidence. The pivot from a positive to a negative constant is far more than a mathematical adjustment; it fundamentally redefines the ultimate fate of the universe, moving the goalposts from perpetual expansion to a definitive "Big Crunch."

While such an event remains billions of years removed from the present—offering no immediate practical impact on human affairs—it touches upon the deepest philosophical inquiries regarding our origins and eventual end. Establishing a terminal point to mirror the Big Bang provides a sense of narrative closure to the cosmic story. Nevertheless, the global scientific community maintains a stance of rigorous caution. Definitive confirmation of this model will require further data from forthcoming missions, including the European Space Agency’s Euclid telescope and NASA’s SPHEREx. Ultimately, this research serves as a high-stakes reminder that science is an iterative process of constant discovery and recalibration.

While these findings do not directly impact the daily business or social fabric of the Vietnamese-American community—whether in the bustling hubs of Little Saigon, the nail salon industry, or the management of phở restaurants—they remain culturally significant. This news does not alter the landscape of remittances or immigration categories like F2B, H-1B, TPS, and EB-5 visas. However, scientific breakthroughs of this magnitude serve to spark curiosity and inspire the younger generation to pursue careers in STEM, encouraging our youth to lead the next wave of global innovation.