Dark energy is the name given to a mysterious force accelerating the universe's expansion. NASA estimates that dark energy makes up 68% of the universe, but while physicists can tell dark energy is real, they don't know much about it.
At Live Science, our expert writers and editors explain the latest findings from researchers studying this strange force. Whether it’s why dark energy could lead to a second (and third, and fourth) Big Bang, how the largest dark energy map could reveal the fate of the universe or if the expansion of the universe could be a mirage, you’ll find the latest dark energy news, features and articles right here.
Latest about Dark Energy
'A frankly embarrassing result': We still know hardly anything about 95% of the universe
"As yet, nobody has managed to understand what gives rise to this strange phenomenon, and explaining dark energy remains one of the most formidable challenges of modern science."
Cosmic voids may explain the universe's acceleration without dark energy
New research suggests that dark energy isn't needed to explain the acceleration in the expansion of the universe — instead suggesting giant voids in space are creating an illusion.
The universe may end in a 'Big Freeze,' holographic model of the universe suggests
New research suggests holographic dark energy could stop the universe's expansion.
Huge cosmological mystery could be solved by wormholes, new study argues
The universe is expanding at an ever accelerating rate — and tiny wormholes that bore through the fabric of space-time might be to blame, a new study proposes.
Black hole singularities defy physics. New research could finally do away with them.
Black hole singularities defy the laws of physics. New research presents a bold solution to this puzzle: Black holes may actually be a theoretical type of star called a 'gravastar,' filled with universe-expanding dark energy.
Largest 3D map of our universe could 'turn cosmology upside down'
Scientists using the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument have unveiled the largest 3D map of the universe ever. The results suggest that dark energy, the mysterious force pulling the universe apart, may be weakening, challenging prevailing theories of cosmology.
The expansion of the universe could be a mirage, new theoretical study suggests
New research looking at the cosmological constant problem suggests the expansion of the universe could be an illusion.
Dark energy could lead to a second (and third, and fourth) Big Bang, new research suggests
Scientists have proposed a way that the universe could stop expanding, ending in a 'Big Crunch' that resets space and time as we know it.
