Quintessence theory of dark energy, illustration. Dark energy is a relatively unknown quantity that is thought to be driving the universe's expansion.
Quintessence theory of dark energy, illustration. Dark energy is a relatively unknown quantity that is thought to be driving the universe's expansion. Here, it is shown as a variable field (inset at left) that can change over time. At right is a depiction of the universe originating in the Big Bang and expanding over time (straight arrow) as the galaxies formed. The curved arrows indicate an accelerating expansion (as dark energy increases) towards what is known as the Big Rip. If dark energy decreases, the result will be the reversal of the expansion (shown here), ending in what is called the Big Crunch. An alternative theory of dark matter is known as the cosmological constant (see images C042/4584 to C042/4587). For this illustration with labels, see image C042/4588.
Size: 8010px × 4364px
Photo credit: © MIKKEL JUUL JENSEN/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: -, artwork, astronomical, astronomy, astrophysical, astrophysics, background, big, black, contracting, contraction, cosmology, crunch, cut, cut-, cut-outs, cutout, cutouts, dark, decreasing, diagram, energy, expanding, expansion, fate, field, graphic, illustration, increasing, outs, physics, quintessence, rip, space, theory, universe, unlabeled, unlabelled
