The universe has been expanding for approximately 13.7 billion years, with theories suggesting that its expansion rate may have accelerated due to dark energy, although dark energy remains a hypothetical concept. Some theories propose that gravitational forces could eventually slow the expansion, leading to a potential contraction of the universe, similar to a star collapsing. This cycle could result in a smaller universe with each subsequent collapse, assuming the universe is not infinite. Notably, scientists observe that the universe began accelerating around 7 to 8 billion years ago, but specific rates of expansion during earlier periods remain uncertain. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for grasping the universe's long-term fate and structure.