High-Z Supernova Search
Table of ContentsThe Expanding Universe
The Fate of the Universe [1] [2] [3] [4]
Supernovae
Type Ia Supernovae
Searching for Distant Type Ia Supernovae
Search Results
Search Conclusions
Measuring the Fate of the Universe
Gravity counteracts the expansion of the Universe. As we look to great distances, we are looking back in time. We could measure how fast the Universe was expanding in the past, and compare it to how fast it is expanding now. That would allow us to measure the total gravitational effect of all matter in the Universe.
Here we plot the distance between two galaxies as a function of time. Looking back into the past we see that the galaxies get closer together until they are ontop of each other - this is the time of the Big Bang. If the Universe expands at the same rate, it will follow the dotted yellow path. But if it is slowing down over time the Universe is younger than we would otherwise think, speeding up, then it is older.