[PatrickHenry]

Cosmology ping.

[This ping list for the evolution -- not creationism -- side of evolution threads, and sometimes for other science topics. If you want to be included, or dropped, let me know.]

[Sentis]

Not all that much use speculating about this until we know for certain what the shape of the universe is.

[Jhoffa_]

In related news, Trent Lott's spokesman has issued a statement apologizing for this story..

[LibWhacker]

At this point, the speed of sound equals the speed of light.

!!!

Does light slow down or sound speed up? Anyway, I was completely unaware that there could be either light or sound inside a black hole . . . It's a mathematical point, no?

[Dimensio]

Are Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton expected to comment on this story?

[Larry Lucido]

No theory can cope with a Big Crunch.

And a doughnut-shaped Universe could meet a quite different fate

Don't know the answer, but I've got a taste for a Nestle's Crunch and a donut.

[Scully]

Space might end up dark, thick and boring.

Just like my life in the lab...gads! I'm just depressing myself.

[friendly]

No Big Crunch. The rate of expansion of the universe is increasing. Recent research 3 years ago into supernovas has shown that the most distant galaxies are accelerating; the more distant the galaxy, the faster the speed away from us.

The force producing this?: Dark Energy, also called Quintessence.

Dark Energy's nature?; A complete mystery.

[Consort]

Which results the bigger bang, cosmetology or cosmology?

[RightWhale]

What is it that some people, when they solve an equation for a given geometry they then have to have an article in Nature and say what will ultimately happen to the universe?

[<1/1,000,000th%]

Are you sure that wasn't a NESTLE's Crunch??

[from occupied ga]

Space might end up dark, thick and boring.

Oh no, not like Maxine Waters, John Lewis and Shirley Jackson Lee I hope.

[lavaroise]

Expansion, contraction... there is a mechanic indeed to the Universe and this mechanic, if it is ultimate, would see the life of a scientist in its way to its "proper" "evolution". Global Universal warming? Are we causing the Universe to crunch and stay stuck? Anyone?