The three fates of the Universe

The three possible fates of the Universe as we understand it are pictured here. There are two mysterious quantities in the Universe that current models suggest will determine its ultimate fate: dark matter, matter we cannot yet detect directly, but which seems to be holding the Universe together; and dark energy, a mysterious energy that seems to be causing the Universe to expand at an accelerating rate. If a sort of balance is reached, then the Universe will simply continue to expand, eventually becoming so spacious that matter will barely interact, stars will flicker out, and the Big Chill will begin. If dark matter dominates, the expansion will cease, and in fact reverse, with the Universe ultimately collapsing in a cosmic Big Crunch. Finally, if dark energy dominates, the Universe might ultimately tear itself apart, forced into a Big Rip by its own energy.

This graphic will form part of the "The Living Universe" exhibition, to be displayed at the ESO Supernova.