[PatrickHenry]

There does not appear to be enough mass in the universe to cause a "Big Crunch". Basically the universe as a whole appears to be extremely "flat" cosmologically.

Yes, so it seems. But I have the most profound difficulties with a universe that has a specific beginning and which will dribble out to virtually nothing (or very thin something, which is as good as nothing). Such a universe is a "one time affair," and that's just not very satisfying (philosophically). A one-time universe means that there was nothing before the universe, and it ends in nothing; however in between these two nothings is our universe, a bright shining instant of something, which ultimately amounts to nothing after all. I don't like it. So you can call me "Captain Crunch" because I want things to start over again. And again.

[RadioAstronomer]

Yes, so it seems. But I have the most profound difficulties with a universe that has a specific beginning and which will dribble out to virtually nothing (or very thin something, which is as good as nothing). Such a universe is a "one time affair," and that's just not very satisfying (philosophically). A one-time universe means that there was nothing before the universe, and it ends in nothing; however in between these two nothings is our universe, a bright shining instant of something, which ultimately amounts to nothing after all. I don't like it.

Unfortunately the data appears to be pointing to this exact scenario.

[longshadow]

I don't like it. So you can call me "Captain Crunch" because I want things to start over again. And again.

Ah, the "Sysyphian Universe" hypothesis, where those poor turtles are condemned to bear the Universe on their backs over and over again, for all eternity?

Whilst you may find a Cosmologically flat Universe philosophically objectionable, how to think the turtles feel about your repeating Universe? Doesn't their objection count for something?

;-)

[Scully]

I don't like it. So you can call me "Captain Crunch" because I want things to start over again. And again.

Me too! Let's hope we find that "missing mass" soon.