Re: Is the Mystery of Dark energy & Antigravity Solved?

stonewallnz — Wed, 27 May 2009 08:07:29 GMT

Short answer: no. Astronomers, some years ago now, discovered the Universe is not only expanding, but the expansion is accelerating. This was unexpected and involved energy the universe does not appear to have, or something is wrong with our understanding of the physics of the universe. The best theory we have of the main force involved is the General Relativity theory of Albert Einstein, which has been so successful physicists have little choice but to keep it, even if it needs amendment. When Einstein first put it forward, in 1915, he did not know of the (uniform or otherwise) expansion of the universe, which his theory actually predicted! He therefore added an unnecessary factor (the Cosmological Constant) into his equations to make the universe not expand or contract. He later described this as his "greatest blunder", and totally rejected it. When scientists add an idea into a theory so it will fit the data, even though there is no theoretical need, it is called an ad hoc hypothesis. Sometimes these lead to good physics and a breakthrough; sometimes they provide a way of scientists keeping incorrect theories they are attached to. The trick is deciding whether the "dark energy" hypothesis is a useless (and obstructive) ad hoc hypothesis, or if it is a brilliant solution to an unexpected observation.

Personally I dont know. I do think an open mind and scientific attitudes are essential at exciting times like this! I think in some strange way we are into another really fun time in astronomy.

Re: Is the Mystery of Dark energy & Antigravity Solved?

chipdatajeffB — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 14:12:29 GMT

Despite some of the posts you may read in the Cosmology Forum here, this mystery has not yet been solved -- at least not in the sense that working cosmologists have adopted as a working model.

Rather than start another such lengthy discussion here, I'll leave you to read some of those other threads.

Is the Mystery of Dark energy & Antigravity Solved?

Allen Jesus Flamsteed — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 07:32:19 GMT

Please tell me as i need help