The estimated lifespan of the universe has been reduced, adjust your calendars

22 May 2025

The cosmos may not last quite as long was previously envisaged. New calculations have shown that the final stellar remnants in the universe will cease to be in 10⁷⁸ years time, rather than the originally thought 10¹¹⁰⁰ years. That’s a significant shift in the timeline, however you look at it.

The stellar remnants part of that sentence seems to be key here though. I think. The last star in the universe — which probably won’t even be born for an eternity — will cease shining at some point in the long distant future, but its remains will take 10⁷⁸ years to turn into near nothingness.

Then, I think, it’ll be curtains for the universe. But what even is 10⁷⁸? I’m awful at maths and have no idea, but, according to the Thinkster Learning website, 10⁷⁸ is a one followed by rather a lot of zeros. It looks like a really long time to me.

If there’s something you were hoping to achieve though, it seems like it might be a good idea to get on with it. There’s nothing more motivating than a tight deadline…