Talk #13, 10/20/04

Dark Energy

Larry Kull

Recent astronomical observations have indicated that the expansion of the universe is accelerating. The cause of this acceleration is not obvious.

Data from observations of distant supernovae fitted to a model of the universe based on Einstein’s general theory of relativity and the Robertson – Walker description of a curved and expanding (or shrinking) space result in the need to create a new force which is pulling the universe apart.

This force is now referred to as “dark energy”. Recent experimental data and comparisons with today’s generally accepted theoretical models of the universe are discussed.