Almost certainly not in biological form. The Sun will destroy Earth in 5 billion years, and stellar formation ends in 1-2 trillion years. However, advanced civilizations might persist near black holes, harvesting their rotational energy. Post-biological intelligence could potentially survive until proton decay or beyond, but the vast timescales make prediction impossible.
Could we escape to another universe?
Current physics offers no known method to escape our universe. Wormholes require exotic matter we've never observed. Extra dimensions remain theoretical. "Baby universes" created in laboratories would disconnect from ours. The multiverse, if it exists, seems permanently inaccessible. Our universe is likely a closed system with no exit.
What if the universe is cyclical?
Cyclic models like the Big Bounce avoid permanent endings but face theoretical challenges. Entropy typically increases each cycle, eventually preventing bounces. Some models reset entropy through exotic physics. Others propose each cycle creates a slightly different universe. Observational evidence for past cycles remains elusive despite dedicated searches.
Could dark energy just turn off?
Yes, if dark energy is a dynamic field rather than a cosmological constant. Some models predict dark energy will decay into matter and radiation, ending acceleration. This could happen tomorrow or in billions of years. Without knowing dark energy's nature, we can't rule out sudden changes that completely alter the universe's fate.
Is it depressing that everything ends?
The universe's eventual end provides perspective, not despair. We live in the vibrant Stelliferous Era, perfect for life and discovery. The universe has billions of good years left – far longer than Earth has existed. Knowing the story's ending doesn't diminish the meaning of chapters being written now. If anything, cosmic mortality makes our moment more precious.