Runaway Universe: The Mystery of Dark Energy

For most of the 20th century, astronomers assumed the universe's expansion was slowing down under its own gravity. Then in 1998, observations of distant supernovae revealed something nobody expected: the expansion is speeding up. Join us as we trace how that discovery was made, meet the mysterious force behind it, and explore why "dark energy" — despite making up roughly 68% of everything in existence — remains one of the biggest unsolved puzzles in modern physics. No equations required, just a healthy sense of cosmic mystery.

Class level: Introductory - This class is recommended for guests of any background.