The Wide Angle: Dark Energy

Discovery Space Special Feature

Web of Mystery

dark energy cosmic web galaxy cluster universe

Astronomers know that dark energy is responsible for pulling the galaxies into a "cosmic web" -- shown here in a computer simulation. But what, exactly, is dark energy? That answer remains a complete and utter mystery. Credit: Millennium Simulation Project

Dec. 16, 2008 - The next time you find yourself beneath a dark night sky, look up and consider: it might've been a much more crowded place.

Scientists have chipped away some of the mystery -- with plenty to spare -- about the mysterious something we call dark energy. What's new? It turns out that dark energy profoundly affects the lives of stars and how galaxies interact.

In this Discovery Space Wide Angle, we give you an in-depth look at the new discovery's odd implications.

News: Dark Energy Revealed
You can look out into the universe and thank dark energy for being right here, right now.
Top 10: Things You Didn't Know About Dark Energy
If you thought you knew everything about dark energy, think again. Cosmologist Michael Turner shares 10 things you didn't know.
Video: Study Sheds Light On Dark Energy
New findings bolster the argument that dark energy is the reason our universe is expanding. James Williams explores the evidence.
IM Interview: How To Hunt For Dark Energy
Ever wonder how we know dark energy exists if we can't even see the stuff? We interview an X-ray astronomer.
My Take: Exciting Times Ahead for Dark Energy Search
Where is dark energy research headed in the future? An astronomer gives her take.
Blog: The Dark Energy Doubters
Some armchair astronomers simply don't believe all of this dark "stuff" exists. Find out why.
Blog: Far Future Forecast: Deep Darkness
How is dark energy going to shape the universe in the (really) far future?
Blog: The Big Yawn
What it's like to live with a cosmologist who's crazy about the biggest mysteries in the cosmos.
HowStuffWorks: How The Fate Of The Universe Works

Discuss the latest news on dark energy at the Space Disco Blog.

Got something to say? E-mail your questions, comments and concerns to discoveryspace@discovery.com.

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