The Universe

I am plagued with thoughts of the universe and its history. Is it expanding and contracting, constantly big banging and then shooting out to infinity and eventually collapsing? Are we looping eternally? If aliens have advanced space travel then they should have a deeper understanding of the universe. What can they reveal? Will they reveal? Are we meaningless or is there true substance to our existence? Will I know? I don't right now and it is making me think to the point that my brain is leaving my body.