Cosmology

The astrophysicist and social media phenom Katie Mack is ready to tell you about the fate of the universe.

Einstein’s equations describe three canonical configurations of space-time. Now one of these three — important in the study of quantum gravity — has been shown to be inherently unstable.

Physicists have proposed extra cosmic ingredients that could explain the faster-than-expected expansion of space.

In our mind’s eye, the universe seems to go on forever. But using geometry we can explore a variety of three-dimensional shapes that offer alternatives to “ordinary” infinite space.

The recent discovery of some of the first galaxies in the universe illuminates the darkest era in cosmic history.

A problem confronts cosmology: Two independent measurements of the universe’s expansion give incompatible answers. Now a third method, advanced by an astronomy pioneer, appears to bridge the divide.

A photograph of the infant cosmos reveals the precise amounts of dark matter and dark energy in the universe, leaving precious little room for argument.

Physicists saw a black hole for the first time, debated the expansion rate of the universe, pondered the origin of time and modeled the end of clouds.

A study challenged the evidence for the mysterious antigravitational force known as dark energy. Then cosmologists shot back.