Space.com
By Sharmila Kuthunur
April 4, 2024
It has been over two decades since the discovery of dark energy.
Scientists have therefore had more than 20 years to decode the secrets of this invisible substance that appears to be pulling the universe apart. Yet, they still know close to nothing about it. Dark energy, in fact, may not even be a substance. It could be a force or even an intrinsic property of space itself.
For instance, the standard model of cosmology — our leading theory of cosmic evolution — does suggest dark energy is unwavering across the universe and throughout time, making it a fundamental property of space. If constant, the mysterious dark energy that makes up a whopping 70 percent of the universe would push away all stars and galaxies. However, the biggest survey of the universe’s cosmic history could indicate that dark energy, also known as a hypothetical “anti-gravity” force, may evolve with time rather than remain constant, hinting at a less lonely future for residents of the universe.