The most comprehensive study about energy output in our nearby region of space indicates that the Universe is slowly fading away.
A team of scientists from the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) in Australia used several of the most advanced ground- and space-based telescopes to detect what has long been suspected: Energy production in the Universe is slowing down.
Many scientists have speculated this fact for decades, but it had never been truly confirmed and some had hypothesized that it wasn't an equal drop across all wavelengths. Well, GAMA scientists can now confirm that energy in infrared, ultraviolet, visible — 21 different wavelengths — is decreasing.
Total energy output has dropped by half in just the past two billion years.
Normally, I'm a huge fan of science and astronomers in particular. Something like NASA's New Horizons probe sending back hi-res photos of Pluto is something to get excited about. The end of the Universe as we know it? Not so hot.
We'll leave you with an uplifting quote from ICRAR Professor Simon Driver:
“The Universe is fated to decline from here on in, like an old age that lasts forever. The Universe has basically plonked itself down on the sofa, pulled up a blanket and is about to nod off for an eternal doze."
It looks like we're going out with a whimper, not a bang.
