By Ron Cowen
Next week, the venerable American Museum of Natural History in New York City will unveil an exhibit on the history of the universe. Descending a spiral ramp, visitors will journey through the cosmos beginning at its fiery birth some 13 billion years ago.
Few will notice the small metal plaque at the entrance to the gallery, let alone the mathematical symbols engraved upon it. But these symbols speak volumes about the size and fate of the cosmos—and the rapidity with which astronomers have come to embrace one of the most bizarre discoveries ever made.