Article
Article
Dark energy
Article By:
Caldwell, Robert Department of Physics and Astronomy, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire.
Last reviewed:August 2022
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.800530
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- Dark energy, published February 2019:Download PDF
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An entity that comprises the majority of the mass-energy of the universe and is responsible for its accelerating expansion. The term “dark energy” derives from the inference that it is nonluminous and does not interact with normal matter. According to multiple lines of evidence, dark energy is estimated to make up approximately 70% of the mass-energy of the universe, with “normal” matter comprising around 5% and dark matter about 25%. Dark energy is thought to be the driver behind the accelerating expansion of the universe over time (Fig. 1). See also: Dark matter; Energy; Mass; Matter (physics); Universe
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