'More Than a Hint' That Dark Energy Isn't What Astronomers Thought
An international team of astronomers suggests dark energy may fluctuate over time, challenging the standard cosmological model. This finding raises questions about the universe's fate and ongoing tensions in cosmology.
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An international team of astronomers has presented compelling evidence suggesting that dark energy, which drives the accelerated expansion of the universe, may not be a constant force as previously thought. Utilizing the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI), researchers created the largest three-dimensional map of the universe, revealing that dark energy could fluctuate over time, potentially leading to a stable universe or even a collapse known as the Big Crunch. This finding challenges the standard cosmological model, which assumes dark energy remains constant. The results, announced at the American Physical Society meeting, indicate a significant conflict with other measurements, suggesting that dark energy's influence may have begun earlier and is currently weaker than predicted. Meanwhile, a separate study from the Atacama Cosmology Telescope supports the standard model by providing detailed images of the early universe, but does not clarify the evolving nature of dark energy. The discrepancies between these findings highlight ongoing tensions in cosmology, particularly regarding the Hubble constant, which describes the universe's expansion rate. As DESI continues its observations, the scientific community remains eager to explore these revelations, which may lead to a deeper understanding of dark energy and the universe's fate.
- New evidence suggests dark energy may fluctuate rather than remain constant.
- The findings challenge the standard cosmological model and indicate potential for a stable universe.
- A separate study supports the standard model but does not resolve questions about dark energy's evolution.
- Discrepancies in measurements highlight ongoing tensions in cosmology, particularly regarding the Hubble constant.
- DESI's ongoing observations may provide further insights into the nature of dark energy.
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- Some commenters emphasize the need for caution in interpreting the findings, referencing previous literature and skepticism within the scientific community.
- There are discussions about the implications of dark energy on the universe's fate, including concerns about a "big rip" scenario.
- Several users share links to additional articles and studies, highlighting ongoing research and alternative perspectives on dark energy and dark matter.
- Criticism arises regarding the reliance on dark energy and dark matter theories, with some calling for more direct evidence and alternative explanations.
- Humor and creative analogies are used by some commenters to express their views on the complexities of cosmology.
16 comments> Why then is the cosmological constant not the end of the story as far as cosmic acceleration is concerned? There are at least three reasons.
The results do not meet the so-called five-sigma threshold of statistical certainty that is the gold standard in physics for claiming a discovery. But many in the collaboration have shifted in recent months from a position of scepticism to confidently backing the finding.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/mar/19/dark-energy-...
The author Dennis Overbye about his retirement in December 2024 [1]
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/mar/19/dark-energy-...
The DESI 2024 hint for dynamical dark energy is biased by low-redshift supernovae
Wasn’t ‘the universe won’t end in a “big rip” the widely held idea?
The laws of thermodynamics pretty much guarantees this anyways does it not?
Step 1 is making a new detector, then we talk about unknown unknowns.
We neither have direct evidence nor do we not have alternative explanations - to the contrary. They shouldn't even qualify as scientific theory, since they are neither falsifiable, have no predictive power or are supported by any independent experimental confirmation.
Oh,there are presents under the Christmas tree, it must've been Santa Claus!
They are patchwork "solutions" at best and by far not the only explanation for what's happening.
It's the aether rehashed.
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Recent studies suggest dark energy may not exist, proposing timescape cosmology instead, which explains cosmic expansion through varying time passage across regions, challenging the traditional ΛCDM model and single age concept.
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