In 1917 Einstein applied general relativity to a static universe, introducing the cosmological constant to address gravitational collapse. He resisted expanding universe views despite contemporary suggestions from astrophysicists Alexander Friedman and Georges Lemaître.
Researchers use 'Cosmic Triangle' to plot evidence for accelerated universe expansion and high mass density of dark energy. The findings rule out models with low or negative mass density, pointing towards a flat universe dominated by dark energy.
A new theory called inflationary cosmology suggests that the universe may have begun as a fractal, with an exponential expansion period. This theory provides answers to several questions about the origin of the universe and its structure.
Physicists and astronomers observe distant supernovae to determine the universe is expanding at an accelerating rate, implying a mysterious property of space first proposed by Albert Einstein. The discovery was made possible by a unique collaboration between researchers using supercomputer facilities and powerful telescopes.
Researchers found supernovas are fainter than expected, suggesting the universe has expanded more slowly in the past and is now accelerating. This discovery supports the Cosmological Constant theory, which had been dismissed by Albert Einstein, and has significant implications for our understanding of the universe's behavior.
Astronomers believe the Universe has expanded since the big bang about 15 billion years ago, but a new theory proposes that it may have rotated like a merry-go-round for an indefinitely long period. If true, this rotation could have suddenly changed into expansion thanks to a 'vacuum phase transition.'
Astronomers have discovered expanding gas clouds thrown off by nuclear eruptions in stars, which provide reliable distances to these stars. The Hubble Space Telescope has captured detailed images of two nova shells, revealing structure and asymmetry, including polar blobs and equatorial rings.
Astronomers Ari Buchalter and David Helfand study 103 galaxies to draw conclusions about the universe's shape. They believe their findings can be confirmed with results from 500 galaxies.
Researchers studied 40 distant supernovae to measure the cosmic expansion rate, finding it will expand forever due to insufficient mass for gravity to slow it down. Type Ia supernovae provide natural mile-markers to track trends in the universe's expansion.
Scientists have discovered that the May 8 gamma ray burst releases an enormous amount of energy, outshining the sun in its lifetime. Radio observations indicate the fireball expands at nearly the speed of light, with a size estimated to be about one-tenth of a light-year.