Physical eschatology

Abstract

This Resource Letter treats the nascent discipline of physical eschatology, which investigates thefuture evolution of astrophysical objects, including the universe itself, and is thus both a counterpartand a complement to conventional cosmology. While sporadic interest in these topics has flared upfrom time to time during the entire history of humanity, a truly physical treatment of these issues hasonly become possible during the last quarter century. This Resource Letter deals with these recentdevelopments. It offers a starting point for understanding what the physical sciences might say aboutthe future of our universe and its constituents. Journal articles, books, and web sites are provided forthe following topics: history and epistemology of physical eschatology, the future of the Solarsystem, the future of stars and stellar systems, the global future of the universe, informationprocessing and intelligent communities, as well as some side issues, like the possible vacuum phasetransition and the so-called Doomsday Argument.