Scientists work out exact date they believe the world will end

Scientists have calculated the likely date the universe will cease to exist as the results of a groundbreaking new study were announced. The study was published by physicists from Cornell University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and other institutions.

The paper argues that the universe will begin to contract after reaching a peak size, before collapsing back to a single point. Dubbed the "Big Crunch", it is in effect a reverse of the Big Bang - which posits that the universe expanded from an initial point, creating matter, space, and time.

The scientists predict that the Big Crunch will take place in approximately 33.3 billion years.

As the universe is 13.8 billion years old, this gives Earth and all other planets roughly 20 billion years before entering oblivion, according to the study.

The study is based on a theory that the universe will continue to expand like a "rubber band", until the elastic force becomes stronger than the expansion, causing everything to snap back together.

At the heart of this theory lies the phenomenon of dark energy - a mysterious force that makes up about 70 per cent of the known universe.

It has long been believed to be the driving force behind the expansion of the universe.

However, recent observations have led some scientists to conclude that the force might be dynamic.

This means that it can only expand so much before it starts to shrink again.

Under a new model put forward by researchers, the universe will continue to expand but at an ever slower rate.

When it reaches its maximum size - roughly 69% bigger than what it is today - a gradual contraction will begin.

It its unlikely that the Earth will be around by the time the universe snaps back to its original point.

In 20 billion years time, the Earth's sun will have died and our galaxy will have collided with neighbouring Andromeda - according to another prediction.