The discussion centers on the relationship between the cosmological constant, dark energy, and the conservation of energy within the framework of spacetime. It is established that while space can be considered flat, spacetime is inherently curved, particularly in the context of the Lambda Cold Dark Matter (LCDM) model. This curvature challenges the traditional notion of energy conservation, as energy is generated with the expansion of the vacuum of space. The participants clarify that the law of conservation of energy does not apply in curved spacetime, which is a critical distinction in understanding cosmic phenomena.
PREREQUISITESAstronomers, physicists, and students of cosmology seeking to deepen their understanding of the interplay between dark energy, the cosmological constant, and the nature of spacetime.
Nope. To the best of our measurements space is flat but spacetime is curved.richard.coppack said:isn't our universe flat spacetime ?
Thank you for your reply. Yes, spacetime is curved near a massive object. On a cosmic scale, isn't spacetime broadly flat?Dale said:Nope. To the best of our measurements space is flat but spacetime is curved.
No, spacetime in the LCDM model is not flat. Just space.richard.coppack said:Thank you for your reply. Yes, spacetime is curved near a massive object. On a cosmic scale, isn't spacetime broadly flat?