Category: Space > Dark Energy
One of the most captivating elements of our universe is dark energy, a mysterious force that is driving the accelerated expansion of the cosmos. Comprising about 68% of the universe, dark energy counteracts the gravitational pull of matter, pushing galaxies apart at an ever-increasing rate. This phenomenon was first observed in 1998 when astronomers studied distant supernovae and noticed that these explosions were fainter than expected, indicating that they were farther away than previously thought. The implications of dark energy are profound, as it suggests that not only is the universe expanding, but it may also continue to do so indefinitely. This raises questions about the ultimate fate of the universe, leading scientists to explore various scenarios, including the possibility of a "big freeze" where galaxies drift apart, stars burn out, and the universe becomes cold and dark over billions of years.