What evidence supports dark energy?

What evidence supports the existence of dark energy?

Dark energy is supported by several key pieces of evidence, including the accelerated expansion of the universe, observed through distant supernovae. This phenomenon suggests that a mysterious force is driving galaxies apart.

Are there any specific studies or observations that highlight this?

Yes, the Supernova Cosmology Project and the High-Z Supernova Search Team both provided crucial data showing that distant supernovae are dimmer than expected, indicating that the universe's expansion is accelerating.

What role does the cosmic microwave background radiation play in this?

The cosmic microwave background radiation provides a snapshot of the early universe. Measurements from missions like WMAP and Planck have shown that the universe is flat and contains about 70% dark energy, supporting the theory of its existence.

Is dark energy the same as dark matter?

No, dark energy and dark matter are different. Dark matter is thought to be responsible for the gravitational effects we observe in galaxies, while dark energy is driving the accelerated expansion of the universe.