Originally posted by Eh
This dark energy must be very weak if it's overcome by gravity like that. The article did not say how long the universe would be slowing down before speeding up. Any suugestion on that?
And I must say, you got to love those illustrations that come with these articles.
The current scientific understanding of potential new expansion history is based on the theory of cosmic inflation, which suggests that the universe underwent a rapid expansion in its very early stages. This theory is supported by observations of the cosmic microwave background radiation and the large-scale structure of the universe.
Yes, a new expansion history could potentially change our understanding of the Big Bang. If there was a different type of expansion or a different rate of expansion, it could lead to a different understanding of the universe's origin and development.
Scientists study possible new expansion histories through various methods, such as observations of cosmic microwave background radiation, measurements of the universe's expansion rate, and simulations using advanced computer models. They also look for evidence of alternative theories that could explain different expansion histories.
A new expansion history could have significant implications on our current understanding of the universe. It could potentially provide answers to some of the biggest mysteries in cosmology, such as the nature of dark matter and dark energy, the fate of the universe, and the origin of cosmic structure.
Yes, there are several experiments and observations planned to study possible new expansion histories. For example, the European Space Agency's Euclid mission, set to launch in 2022, will study the expansion history of the universe by mapping the distribution of galaxies and dark matter. Additionally, the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) will also provide valuable data on the expansion history of the universe.