Minute Physics: Dark Energy

About this video

The accelerating expansion of the universe in just over a minute.

In this special edition of Henry Reich's Minute Physics series guest narrator Sean Carroll describes dark energy and its possible role in the accelerating expansion of the universe.

Dark energy, although unobservable, is thought to be an anti-gravity-like material which permeates the universe and contributes to its increasing expansion. Around three quarters of the universe is believed to be dark energy, whilst matter – everything that makes up stars, planets and you – is estimated to constitute approximately 4%.

The discovery of this accelerating expansion was confirmed through the observation of distant supernovae. This work was awarded the Nobel Prize for physics in 2011 and was shared between Saul Perlmutter, Brian P Schmidt and Adam G. Riess.

Minute Physics is a series of videos explaining often complex concepts in physics through simple, often humorous hand drawings – all in about a minute. Brush up on your physics on the YouTube Channel.