Dark Energy May Not Be Constant After All, New Supernova Survey Suggests

Astronomers have combined 2,884 Type Ia supernovae — which are used to measure cosmic distances — with cosmic microwave background and galaxy-mapping data, deepening cracks in the standard ‘cosmological constant’ model.

This is an artist’s concept of a Type Ia supernova exploding in the intergalactic space between galaxies within a galactic cluster. Image credit: Alex Parker / NASA / SDSS.

“Our project sets a new global benchmark in supernova cosmology and provides the clearest picture yet of how the Universe has expanded over time,” said University of Queensland Ph.D. candidate Ryan Camilleri.

“We’ve rebuilt three decades of astronomical observations into a single, consistent framework.”

“We combined our data with other cosmic measurements including relic light from the Big Bang and maps of how galaxies are distributed through space.”