A recent study led by scientists from Durham University explores a fundamental question in cosmology: How does the density of dark energy affect the likelihood of intelligent life arising in the Universe? To answer this question, the researchers developed a theoretical model inspired by the famous Drake Equation, which examines the ideal conditions for star formation and the emergence of intelligent civilizations in the cosmos.

The Drake Equation, formulated by astronomer Frank Drake in the 1960s, aimed to estimate the number of extraterrestrial civilizations in the Milky Way. This calculation takes into account factors such as the rate of star formation, the existence of habitable planets, and the probability of life arising and reaching a detectable technological level.

However, the new model proposed by Durham astrophysicists focuses on another key aspect: how dark energy, a mysterious force driving the accelerated expansion of the Universe, might influence the chances of intelligent life forming.

Dark energy life universe
How the same region of the Universe would look in terms of the amount of stars for different values of the dark energy density. Clockwise, from top left, no dark energy, same dark energy density as in our Universe, 30 and 10 times the dark energy density in our Universe. The images are generated from a suite of cosmological simulations. Credit: Oscar Veenema

Dark energy accounts for approximately two-thirds of the Universe’s energy content. Although its nature remains unknown, it is understood to contribute to the acceleration of cosmic expansion, counteracting gravity and affecting the formation of large-scale structures like galaxies and star clusters.

Through a series of cosmological simulations, researchers have visualized how the number of stars varies in universes with different dark energy densities. According to these models, if dark energy were non-existent or significantly higher than in our Universe, the appearance and distribution of stars would change markedly.

Specifically, the model examines the fraction of matter that converts into stars throughout the Universe’s history under different dark energy densities. The results suggest that a universe with a dark energy density 27% higher would be optimal for star formation. In contrast, our own Universe, with a relatively lower dark energy density, does not offer ideal conditions for maximizing star creation and, consequently, the potential for habitable planets.

This model also analyzes the likelihood of a random observer—meaning a conscious life form—existing in a universe with characteristics similar to ours. Interestingly, the conclusion is that an average observer would expect to find themselves in a universe with a higher dark energy density than ours, implying that the properties of our Universe could, in some way, be exceptional within a hypothetical multiverse.

Dark energy life universe
The Drake Equation, a mathematical formula for the probability of finding life or advanced civilisations in the Universe, as revised by two University of Rochester researchers in 2016. Credit: University of Rochester

Dr. Daniele Sorini, the study’s lead researcher, highlights the importance of understanding how dark energy has shaped the Universe as we know it. According to Sorini, the density of dark energy in our Universe appears sufficient to allow for the formation of complex, stable structures over time—conditions necessary for the evolution of intelligent life.

However, these findings pose a paradox: the dark energy density we observe is not the one that would maximize the chances of life formation. This discovery suggests that, although our Universe has the right characteristics for life to exist, it is not the best of all possible scenarios.

This approach offers a new perspective to astrobiology and cosmology, suggesting that the probability of life arising in the multiverse could largely depend on factors beyond the local habitability conditions on individual planets. Instead, it might also be influenced by the general characteristics of each universe, such as the density of dark energy.

SOURCES

Royal Astronomical Society

Daniele Sorini, John A Peacock, Lucas Lombriser, The impact of the cosmological constant on past and future star formation, Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, Volume 535, Issue 2, December 2024, Pages 1449–1474, doi.org/10.1093/mnras/stae2236

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