Space and Astronomy Atlas

How The Universe Works
Concepts

Cosmological Constant

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The cosmological constant is a term Albert Einstein added to his field equations of general relativity to represent the energy density of empty space, sometimes called vacuum energy. Einstein introduced it in 1917 to permit a static universe, then withdrew his support once the universe was shown to be expanding; the concept was later revived to help explain the observed accelerating expansion attributed to dark energy.

Facts
Concept Domain
Cosmology 1
Formulated Year
1917 1
Proposed By
Albert Einstein 1
Cross-Tradition Connections

Associated With

Sources
1. Wikipedia (space and spaceflight articles)
Wikimedia FoundationCosmological constant, history section
Quote, Cosmological constant, history section
Einstein introduced the constant in 1917 to counterbalance the effect of gravity and achieve a static universe, which was then assumed.
1. Wikipedia (space and spaceflight articles)
Wikimedia FoundationCosmological constant, lead section
Quote, Cosmological constant, lead section
a coefficient that Albert Einstein initially added to his field equations of general relativity to express the energy density of space, or vacuum energy
1. Wikipedia (space and spaceflight articles)
Wikimedia FoundationAssociated With: Dark Energy
1. Wikipedia (space and spaceflight articles)
Wikimedia FoundationAssociated With: Dark Energy
1. Wikipedia (space and spaceflight articles)
Wikimedia FoundationAssociated With: Big Bang Theory

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