[QUESTION]Dark energy could it be an explosion?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the nature of dark energy and whether it could be conceptualized as an explosion causing the accelerated expansion of the universe. Participants explore various theories and interpretations related to dark energy, its properties, and its effects on cosmic expansion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that dark energy could be likened to an explosion and that a shockwave might explain the universe's accelerated expansion.
  • Others argue that the accelerated expansion is not a localized phenomenon like a shockwave, which dissipates and is not homogenous or isotropic.
  • One participant suggests that dark energy could be a dynamical energy field or fluid that inhibits space, leading to the unusual expansion of the universe.
  • Another participant challenges the notion of dark energy as 'dynamic', stating that it is one of the least dynamic entities in the universe.
  • Clarifications are made regarding the cosmological constant, with some asserting it is synonymous with dark energy and is responsible for the universe's accelerated expansion rather than slowing it down.
  • There is a mention of Einstein's historical context regarding the cosmological constant, with differing views on whether he debunked it or not.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of dark energy and its implications for cosmic expansion. There is no consensus on whether the explosion analogy is valid or how to interpret the properties of dark energy.

Contextual Notes

Some statements made by participants contain ambiguities and assumptions that are not fully resolved. The discussion reflects varying levels of understanding and interpretations of dark energy and its effects.

Harry Gillman
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I don't really know about theories on dark energy, but could "it" be an explosion and the shockwave causing the increase in the rate the universe is expanding at?
Or have there already been studies on it?

Thanks, Harry. :)
 
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The shockwave from an explosion really is like a pulse of energy that travels through the air where the explosion is taking place. The accelerated expansion of the universe is not a localized pulse and does not dissipate like an explosion does.
 
Harry Gillman said:
I don't really know about theories on dark energy, but could "it" be an explosion and the shockwave causing the increase in the rate the universe is expanding at?
Or have there already been studies on it?

Thanks, Harry. :)

From what we know dark energy could be a kind of dynamical energy field/fluid which inhibits space and causes the apparent unusual expansion of the universe instead of the slowing down due to its repulsive effect (cosmological constant) ,Einstein had made a mention of it initially but then debunked it as his biggest blunder.

Regards,
ibysaiyan
 
Hi Harry, welcome to PF!
Harry Gillman said:
I don't really know about theories on dark energy, but could "it" be an explosion and the shockwave causing the increase in the rate the universe is expanding at?
The best way to learn about a topic is to do some basic reading on it, and then try to ask more specific questions. Try starting withhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_energy" .
There are lots of reasons why what you're proposing doesn't quite fit; that article should point to some of them. If there are any specific questions you have, ask away!

ibysaiyan said:
From what we know dark energy could be a kind of dynamical energy field/fluid which inhibits space and causes the apparent unusual expansion of the universe instead of the slowing down due to its repulsive effect (cosmological constant) ,Einstein had made a mention of it initially but then debunked it as his biggest blunder.
This is an incredibly confusing and inaccurate response.
Dynamic: It is ambiguous what you mean by 'dynamical', but in many respects dark energy is one of the least 'dynamic' things in the universe.
Inhibits space: what is that supposed to mean?
slowing down due to its repulsive effect (cosmological constant): The 'repulsion' is what leads to accelerated expansion, not slowing down. The expansion of the universe is accelerating. And the 'cosmological constant' is another way of describing 'dark energy', they aren't altogether separate concepts.
Einstein: Einstein did not 'debunk' the cosmological constant. The famous quote and story is in regards to his methodology and the reasoning behind his actions, not the constant itself---which we believe to be effectively correct.
 
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Harry Gillman said:
I don't really know about theories on dark energy, but could "it" be an explosion and the shockwave causing the increase in the rate the universe is expanding at?

Probably not.

One of the things that appears to be true about the universe is that it is more or less homogenous and isotropic. What that means is that one part of the universe is pretty much the same as some other part of the universe.

Blast waves aren't homogenous or isotropic.
 
zhermes said:
Hi Harry, welcome to PF!
The best way to learn about a topic is to do some basic reading on it, and then try to ask more specific questions. Try starting withhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_energy" .
There are lots of reasons why what you're proposing doesn't quite fit; that article should point to some of them. If there are any specific questions you have, ask away!This is an incredibly confusing and inaccurate response.
Dynamic: It is ambiguous what you mean by 'dynamical', but in many respects dark energy is one of the least 'dynamic' things in the universe.
Inhibits space: what is that supposed to mean?
slowing down due to its repulsive effect (cosmological constant): The 'repulsion' is what leads to accelerated expansion, not slowing down. The expansion of the universe is accelerating. And the 'cosmological constant' is another way of describing 'dark energy', they aren't altogether separate concepts.
Einstein: Einstein did not 'debunk' the cosmological constant. The famous quote and story is in regards to his methodology and the reasoning behind his actions, not the constant itself---which we believe to be effectively correct.
Thanks for the correction ,my response may have been immature considering I have yet to start my degree but this is why I am on this forum although I have made it clear that it's the repulsion which is causing acceleration .I am also aware of the difference between cosmological constant which was brought up by Einstein due to his belief in a static universe until Hubble's discovery.

Regards,
ibysaiyan
 
Last edited by a moderator:

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