The Cosmological 'Constant' (IMAGE) University of Portsmouth Caption The cosmological "constant" (illustrated by the straight yellow line) is introduced to explain the accelerated expansion of the Universe (shown as the expanding blue cone) due to the presence of dark energy. The study instead suggests that the contribution of dark energy to this expansion is time-dependent (grey curve). The uncertainty of this time dependency is also shown (blue shaded area). Credit Gong-Bo Zhao, NAOC and the University of Portsmouth. Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.