Research shocks scientists: The universe may 'disintegrate' billions of years earlier than predicted

Illustration photo.

The research builds on the Hawking radiation theory proposed by physicist Stephen Hawking in 1974. The theory suggests that super-dense objects such as black holes and neutron stars can gradually lose mass through the emission of particles due to quantum effects occurring near their gravitational fields.

The special thing about the Dutch team's research is that they have extended the application of Hawking radiation, not only limited to objects with extremely high density, but also applied to more ordinary celestial bodies. The results show that even the moon and humans, theoretically, could "evaporate" by a similar mechanism within about 10⁹⁰ years.

Another surprising finding is that the evaporation time of objects like neutron stars and stellar black holes appears to depend only on their density. Scientists estimate that these objects would completely decay in about 10⁶⁷ years. This finding goes against the popular belief that the stronger gravitational field of a black hole would cause evaporation to occur more quickly.

Mathematician Walter van Suijlekom, one of the three authors of the study, stressed the interdisciplinary nature and importance of the project: “By asking questions like these and looking at extreme cases, we want to better understand the theory and perhaps one day solve the mystery of Hawking radiation.”

He also noted that the research was a theoretical exercise, intended to test fundamental physical laws, rather than a practical prediction of the end of the universe.

Despite setting a new time frame for the “doomsday” of the universe, the authors also admit that there are many other factors that could cause humanity to perish long before the universe reaches this theoretical end point.

However, the work still opens up a completely new perspective on the ultimate fate of the universe and the celestial bodies that exist in it, contributing to enriching the treasure trove of modern physics knowledge.

Bao Ngoc (t/h)

Source: https://doanhnghiepvn.vn/cong-nghe/nghien-cuu-khien-gioi-khoa-hoc-sung-sot-vu-tru-co-the-tan-ra-som-hon-hang-ty-nam-so-voi-du-doan/20250517114221718