The universe is in a declining phase. A study is said to have established that the energy produced by more than 200,000 galaxies is slowly beginning to decline, causing the energy production to lessen by almost 50 percent in comparison with its performance about 2 billion years ago. This steady decline will happen continually until the universe ultimately comes to an end.
Researchers calculated the productivity of 21 galaxies with data gathered from seven of the world's greatest telescopes, Stuff reported. They then observed the various wavelengths between the far infrared and the far ultraviolet over a period of seven years. By measuring the energy that flows within a set section of space, these scientists are able to find out more about how galaxies are developed and formed. While the astronomers have known about this decline for about 25 years now, this new study shows that the energy decline is now occurring on all wavelengths.
As part of the project for Galaxy and Mass Assembly (GAMA), the study intends to understand the galaxy formation and development as well as the cosmology via examination of spectroscopic surveys. This particular project involves approximately 100 scientists coming from 30 of the top universities in the United States, Australia, and Europe.
The "GAMA Team" as they call themselves, is led by Professor Simon Driver of the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR). He presented the results of the study at the International Astronomical Union's General Assembly.
In a statement by Professor Driver to the NZ Herald he said, "The Universe is fated to decline...like an old age that lasts forever. The Universe has basically plonked itself down on the sofa, pulled up a blanket and is about to nod off for an eternal doze."
The study was published at the Royal Astronomical Society under the title Galaxy and Mass Assembly (GAMA): Panchromatic Data Release (far-UV | far-IR) and the Low-Z Energy Budget.
