Universal expansion reaching a point of equiblirium

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the potential outcomes of the universe's expansion, primarily focusing on whether it will continue indefinitely or eventually collapse into a singularity. Participants explore the possibility of a third scenario where the universe could cease expanding without collapsing. Current observations indicate that the universe's expansion is accelerating, raising questions about achieving a state of equilibrium. The concept of Einstein's static universe is mentioned as a historical example of unstable equilibrium. Ultimately, the conversation seeks coherent explanations for a universe that could stabilize without reverting to contraction.
Zegnarfol
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The two possibilities generally presented on the expansion of the universe is that either the universe will continue to expand, or it will eventually cease expansion and compress back to a singularity. Is there a third possibility?

Has anyone presented a coherent idea that allows for the expansion to cease, and not then necessarily compress?
 
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Zegnarfol said:
The two possibilities generally presented on the expansion of the universe is that either the universe will continue to expand, or it will eventually cease expansion and compress back to a singularity. Is there a third possibility?

Has anyone presented a coherent idea that allows for the expansion to cease, and not then necessarily compress?

Current data seems to suggest not only that the universe will continue to expand, but that something is causing the expansion to accelerate. May I direct you to the http://www.mso.anu.edu.au/~brian/PUBLIC/public.html" one could expect?
 
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Thank you. I have seen that thread. The 3rd option I am considering takes into account that there would be just such an acceleration before equilibrium is achieved. Perhaps I should rephrase the question:

If not this universe, has there been a coherent explanation for the possibility of an expanding universe that eventually is able to attain a state of equilibrium, that is, it will no longer expand, and will not fall back on itself?
 
Einstein's static universe is such a universe, but its equilibrium is unstable.
 
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