Orbital Infinity

We have discussed multiple theories regarding the possible endings to the universe. If you have followed this series, you would know that we have covered Big Freeze (Heat Death), the Big Crunch, now let’s review upon the Big Rip.

As the name sounds, Big ‘Rip’ means forceful ripping or separation of something. In simple words, it would mean tearing apart the universe by itself. The clusters, galaxies, clouds all ripping apart. Sounds terrifying, doesn’t it? Well, you can be reassured that this one of the least probable theories again, in which the main role is of again, dark energy.

We have been revolving around dark energy for the past couple articles, yet in a nutshell, I’ll describe it as a mysterious force responsible for the acceleration of the universe. Along with that, it makes up around 68% of the total energy present in the universe. So, if we are clear with that, let’s head on to have a basic understanding of the Big Rip theory

So, simply, dark energy is a cosmological constant (somewhat) and could be called omnipresent in colloquial terms. But yet, these theories are based on fluctuations in the dark energy. We know dark energy, but have you ever heard of Phantom dark energy? Here, the acceleration caused due to the dark energy, can increase by time. It’s known that the acceleration is getting faster which is responsible for increasing acceleration of the universe. Eventually, the increased acceleration will cause the Big Rip. Any two particles, without considering their proximity, will be ripped apart infinitely further away.

Yet, this theory is not supported by many scientists, because firstly, quarks can’t be separated, as the energy for separation of quarks will form new quarks and secondly, it still isn’t clear about the interaction this ripping will cause to other physical forces. So, readers, this is a highly improbable theory as well, so be relieved and watch out for more exciting topics.