Cosmic epoch · Cosmology
The Present Universe
Cosmology & UniverseEstablished Science
Definition
The Universe today: expanding, accelerating, and dominated by dark energy and dark matter.
Scientific overview
The present Universe is about 13.8 billion years old, geometrically flat, and composed of roughly 68% dark energy, 27% dark matter, and 5% ordinary matter. Its expansion is accelerating.
Current measurements
| Age | 13.787 ± 0.020 billion years | Planck Collaboration |
| Dark energy | ≈ 68% | Planck Collaboration |
| Dark matter | ≈ 27% | Planck Collaboration |
| Ordinary matter | ≈ 5% | Planck Collaboration |
Rests on
Knowledge connections
- Depends onDark Energy
- Depends onDark Matter
- Part of modelThe Lambda-CDM Model
- Preceded byStructure Formation
Sources & references
The primary and reference sources this topic draws on.
- Planck CollaborationESA Planck mission / Planck Collaboration
Cosmic microwave background maps and the cosmological parameters of the ΛCDM model.
- NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration
Mission data, planetary science, space telescopes, and public-domain imagery.
Most NASA-produced imagery is in the public domain; individual items are checked for usage terms before publication.