What is dark energy?

Dark energy is a mysterious force that scientists believe makes up about 70% of the universe. It is the leading explanation for the observed cosmic acceleration, the phenomenon where the expansion of the universe is speeding up over time.

How does dark energy affect the expansion of the universe?

Dark energy acts as a repulsive force, counteracting the force of gravity on cosmological scales. This results in the accelerating expansion of the universe. As the universe expands, the amount of dark energy per unit volume remains constant, leading to an increase in the overall energy density of the universe.

Observational evidence for dark energy

The existence of dark energy is supported by various observational data, including measurements of the cosmic microwave background radiation, supernovae surveys, and large-scale structure of the universe. These observations indicate that dark energy is a fundamental component of the universe's energy budget.

Implications for cosmology and fundamental physics

Understanding dark energy is one of the most significant challenges in modern cosmology. Research into dark energy not only helps us unravel the mysteries of the universe's structure and evolution but also offers valuable insights into the fundamental physics governing our universe.