The Cosmological Constant and the Energy Density in the Vacuum

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The energy density and empty space itself is not significantly greater than zero. The cosmological constant has divergent quantum corrections in our ordinary understanding of quantum field theory. Even if we don't know why, it's plausible to imagine theories that would make the vacuum energy exactly zero.

Welcome to the June 2023 Ask Me Anything episode of Mindscape! These monthly excursions are funded by Patreon supporters (who are also the ones asking the questions). We take questions asked by Patreons, whittle them down to a more manageable number -- based primarily on whether I have anything interesting to say about them, not whether the questions themselves are good -- and sometimes group them together if they are about a similar topic. Enjoy!

Post with questions and full transcript: https://www.preposterousuniverse.com/podcast/2023/06/05/ama-june-2023/

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