News Physics

‘Chameleon’ forces remain elusive in a new dark energy experiment

A hypothetical fifth force that morphs based on its environs didn’t turn up

photo of a levitating force sensor in gold amid red-hued light

A levitating force sensor (shown) found no hints of a fifth force predicted by “chameleon” theories that aim to explain the dark energy that is causing the universe to expand at an increasing clip.

Han Xie

By Emily Conover

- More than 2 years ago

A chameleon-like force that shifts its nature based on its environment could explain a major physics quandary: how the mysterious substance called dark energy is compelling the cosmos to expand faster and faster.