Uniformity of dark energy distribution

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of dark energy and its uniform energy distribution in space. It questions how this can be possible if dark energy is created from other energy sources, which are not uniformly distributed. The discussion also mentions the possibility of dark energy coming from all other matter in the universe and the observed decrease in other matter's energy.
  • #1
kurious
641
0
The question that follows assumes that there can be energy
conservation in general relativity:
Dark energy is said to have a uniform energy distribution in space.But
how can the distribution be uniform if dark energy is created from
some other energy source, and energy sources such as galaxies and the
microwave background do not have a perfectly uniform distribution, and
their non-uniform distribution means also that energy sources such as
vacuum particles cannot be uniformly distributed?
 
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  • #2
if dark energy is created from some other energy source

It is highly unlikely. Dark energy accounts for about 70% of the total energy-mass of the universe. It can't come from some other source.
 
  • #3
Dark energy can come from some other source provided that source is all the other matter in the universe and that in the past there was less dark energy and more of the other matter.Not a problem.This means that other matter is currently decreasing -
look at the cmbr photons - they are losing energy, gravity is getting weaker between galaxies - gravitons are losing energy.
 

1. What is dark energy and why is it important to study its distribution?

Dark energy is a hypothetical form of energy that is thought to make up about 70% of the total energy in the universe. It is important to study its distribution because it is believed to be the driving force behind the expansion of the universe, and understanding how it is distributed can provide insight into the fate of the universe.

2. How is the distribution of dark energy measured?

The distribution of dark energy is measured through various cosmological observations, including the cosmic microwave background radiation, supernovae, and large-scale structure of the universe. These observations can provide information about the density and clustering of dark energy.

3. Is the distribution of dark energy uniform throughout the universe?

There is currently no consensus on whether the distribution of dark energy is uniform throughout the universe. Some studies have suggested that it may be clumped in certain regions, while others have found evidence for a more homogeneous distribution. Further research is needed to fully understand the uniformity of dark energy distribution.

4. How does the distribution of dark energy affect the expansion of the universe?

The distribution of dark energy plays a crucial role in the expansion of the universe. It is believed that the density of dark energy determines the rate of expansion, with higher densities leading to faster expansion. Therefore, understanding the distribution of dark energy can provide insight into the future of the universe.

5. Are there any theories or models that can explain the uniformity of dark energy distribution?

There are several theories and models that attempt to explain the uniformity of dark energy distribution. One popular theory is the cosmological constant, which suggests that dark energy has a constant density throughout the universe. Other models propose alternative forms of dark energy, such as quintessence, which may have a more varied distribution. However, more research is needed to determine which theory best explains the uniformity of dark energy distribution.

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