Einstein, Cosmology, and the Accelerating Universe

Synopsis

    Accelerating expansion of the universe is well-established, but the physics-archive behind it remains unknown. While the cosmological constant, Lambda, seems like a safe bet, other theoretical proposals have not been ruled out. Fortunately, upcoming astronomical surveys of large scale structure will dramatically improve our ability to test Lambda. I will review the history leading to the astounding discovery of cosmic acceleration in 1998 and the ongoing efforts in trying to make sense of it.