The Mystery Of Dark Energy

What is Dark Energy and how is the universe expanding ?

Dark Energy is a theoretical form of energy that is said to be the reason our universe is expanding. I guess you are wondering how our universe is expanding, well galaxies are being pushed part, getting further and further away from each other. That isn't even the crazy part, the expansion itself is accelerating. There is no current explanation for how this occurs and it is one of the most mindboggling mysteries of our generation. ​

Timeline of universe

How was it proven?

The universe's acceleration was discovered in 1998, the team used the light from a supernova. They measured their increase in distance by measuring the difference in brightness. Later, different tests were made on other objects such as galaxy clusters, and another technique in measuring how far light travels is measuring the redshift of the light. Redshift is a property of light where its wavelength stretches as the light travels, it goes towards the red part of the spectrum. Measuring redshift in distant light is another way of determining distance and if measured over time will give an accurate value of how far the object traveled.

Visual example of redshift and blueshift

Picture of the brilliant team of scientists that discovered the universe's expansion is accelerating

A frozen future of darkness

As the universe continues to expand more rapidly, there is a possibility that the future has all galaxies so far away from each other that light from them can is no longer visible. As the universe grows older, stars will also fade and energy will distribution will decrease meaning the universe will be dark, cold, and empty. Raw materials will also not be accessible in large amounts meaning star formation is impossible. to That conclusion is assuming dark energy will continue to accelerate ( it actually doesn't NEED to accelerate but if it stops accelerating there is a chance it will start slowing down instead) and that the universe will not stop expanding.​

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Possible ways the universe may end.

Final Thoughts

None, enjoy your weeks everyone.