Scientists are increasingly focused on the mysterious force known as dark energy, which makes up nearly 70% of the universe. This force pushes all stars and galaxies apart at an accelerating rate. For years, scientists have believed that dark energy remains constant, but recent studies have suggested that it could be weakening over time. This shift in understanding has profound implications for the future of the universe. In early 2025, the American Physical Society presented updated results from an international research project, the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI), which maps the spread of galaxies over 11 billion years. This research has raised questions about whether dark energy’s influence is waning.

The findings from DESI are part of a growing body of evidence that challenges the long-standing view of a constant dark energy force. Experts believe that the weakening of dark energy could lead to a dramatic change in the universe’s future. If dark energy remains constant, the universe will continue to expand indefinitely, eventually becoming colder and emptier. However, if dark energy is weakening, the universe could stop expanding and collapse in what is known as the Big Crunch. Researchers caution that the data, though promising, still requires more analysis. Additional studies from other space missions, including the Euclid mission and the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, are expected to contribute further insights. As technology improves, the ability to track and analyze dark energy will likely lead to even more groundbreaking discoveries in the years ahead.