The universe could tear itself apart one day

By: Josh King, Buzz60

The reigning theory of the universe is that it began with the Big Bang, and according to a new study, it'll end with a "Big Rip."

The study out of the Technical University of Lisbon in Portugal suggests the universe could eventually tear itself apart.

It states the dark energy that scientists believe gradually accelerated the expansion of the universe will continue to accelerate even faster, resulting in the so-called Big Rip.

This would require the dark energy to act in a way unknown to science, so far in that it would need to take on a form as the universe expands.

Researchers say concentrated areas of dark and regular matter can create variations in gravity, which could affect in unusual ways.

However, their findings so far have actually indicated a slower tear, which is referred to as the "Little Rip," where the universe would slowly pull itself apart.

The study still needs more validation, but most physicists do agree the universe will end with more of a whimper than a bang, theorizing that in 2.8 billion years, it will fade out of existence.

RELATED: Check out the most stunning space photos of 2016:

Advertisement