AtomSmasher

I don't see the universe as having any definite "end". If our best measurements of expansion indicated that the universe were slowing enough to collapse as in the "big crunch" theory then perhaps it could have a definite end and possibly a rebirth. The end of the universe will be a very slow, drawn-out process of heat loss. The matter in the universe is steadily losing energy as it expands and radiates into empty space beyond the material universe.

In a long, long time the universe will start to get cold, the number of stars forming will be a fraction of what it is now and the distances between them will be substantial. The only way to survive that situation would be to create some sort of craft that conserves energy at about 100% efficiency -- an impressive feat but in 30 billion years who knows. Another question would be: are there other sources of matter/energy out there? Right now there is little evidence to say so but in my opinion it seems likely. I'm hopefull but not faithfull.

First thing is first I suppose, we have to worry about the destruction of earth because it is the only known source of life in the universe. If we will meet our certain end with the destruction of our solar system's inner planets, it would be a travesty if we did not survive. It seems to me that we are well adapted to overcome a problem of this kind.

Amen-Moses

You think "humanity" will last that long?

The average length of existance for a given species is around 5-10MY, in 500 MY humans will be a dim and distant memory in the geological record.

Cephalopods otoh may have evolved enough intelligence by then to ask "Why .....".

Amen-Moses

David M. Payne

NPM, thanks for the info.

I think you are right on the button AS, we should be able to build such a craft, or more to the point a bunch of them. I think power sources are going to be one of the less challenging problems, given what we are doing with nuclear and other energy sources now. Yes, it would be a travesty to get this far and then die off.

I don't think they had advanced astronomical ability, AM, so they probably didn't see that big rock coming that hit in the Yucatan, and wiped them out. I think you are a bit pessimistic about humanity, but I would expect that from someone who believes the world will come to an end when Gods boy Jesus shows up again to do battle with the great Satan.

On the other hand, if humanity survives for 500 million years, I bet there will still be some Christians out there saying, "but he's coming any day now, just you wait and see!"

David