How can the universe be moving faster?

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In summary, dark matter is causing the universe to expand faster due to its properties of gravity, while dark energy is the force behind this expansion, originating from empty space. This results in a positive feedback loop, leading to instability and a faster expansion of the universe. However, it is important to note that dark matter and dark energy are two distinct concepts.
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cosmicrock
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Ive read that dark matter is making the universe expand faster than usual. How is that even possible?
 
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cosmicrock said:
Ive read that dark matter is making the universe expand faster than usual. How is that even possible?

They say that dark energy is causing the universe to expand faster. The dark energy is from empty space, and the more the Universe expands the more empty space there is, so there is positive feedback and one would expect instability.
 
  • #3
Dark matter is not dark energy.
In terms of gravity and the expansion, dark matter acts like regular matter, and pulls things together.
For dark energy, see the post above.
 

FAQ: How can the universe be moving faster?

1. How do we know that the universe is moving faster?

Scientists have been studying the expansion rate of the universe for decades using various methods such as measuring the redshift of distant galaxies and observing the cosmic microwave background. These observations have consistently shown that the universe is indeed expanding and accelerating in its expansion, indicating that it is moving faster.

2. What is causing the universe to move faster?

The force that is causing the universe to expand faster is known as dark energy. This is a mysterious form of energy that makes up about 70% of the total energy in the universe. While we are still trying to understand the nature of dark energy, its presence is what is driving the acceleration of the universe's expansion.

3. How does the universe's acceleration affect us on Earth?

The acceleration of the universe's expansion does not have a direct impact on our daily lives on Earth. This is because the expansion is happening on a cosmic scale, and the effects are not noticeable at smaller scales. However, it does have implications for the future of our universe, as it suggests that eventually, the expansion will be so fast that galaxies will become too far apart to interact with each other.

4. Could the acceleration of the universe's expansion ever stop?

It is currently believed that the acceleration of the universe's expansion will continue indefinitely. This is because dark energy seems to be a constant force that is not affected by the other forces in the universe. However, there are ongoing research and studies to better understand dark energy and its potential effects on the universe's expansion.

5. Is there any evidence to support the idea that the universe's acceleration is temporary?

While most evidence points towards the acceleration of the universe's expansion being a permanent feature, there are some theories that suggest it may be temporary. These theories propose that the expansion may eventually slow down and reverse, leading to a "Big Crunch" where the universe collapses back in on itself. However, this is still a topic of debate and further research is needed to determine the true nature of the universe's expansion.

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