Understanding What Dark Energy Is
Dark energy is a mysterious force that makes the universe expand faster over time. It cannot be seen directly, but its effects shape the entire cosmos.
Why Dark Energy Matters
Scientists discovered dark energy when they noticed distant galaxies were moving away faster than expected. This acceleration suggests something powerful is pushing space outward.
How Much Dark Energy Exists?
Dark energy makes up about 68% of the universe. Even though we cannot detect it with instruments, its influence on the expansion of space is measurable.
What Dark Energy Might Be
No one knows exactly what dark energy is. It could be a property of space itself, a new type of field, or something completely unknown in physics.
How Scientists Study It
Researchers observe distant supernovas, galaxy clusters, and the cosmic microwave background. These clues help measure how fast the universe is expanding.
The Simple Takeaway
Dark energy is an invisible force causing the universe to expand faster. We can observe its effects, but its true nature remains one of science’s biggest mysteries.