LCDM
Science & Engineering abbreviation · Astronomy & Space
| Stands for | Lambda cold dark matter |
|---|---|
| Categories | Science & Engineering |
LCDM stands for Lambda cold dark matter, an astronomy & Space abbreviation.
Standard model of cosmology, also written Lambda-CDM, in which the universe is about 5% ordinary matter, 27% cold dark matter and 68% dark energy, represented by the cosmological constant Lambda. It explains the CMB, the large-scale distribution of galaxies and the accelerating expansion with only a handful of parameters.
Example: Under LCDM the universe is about 13.8 billion years old.
Usage notes
Lambda is Einstein's cosmological constant, which he introduced in 1917 and later abandoned before it returned to explain cosmic acceleration. "Cold" means dark matter particles move slowly compared with light. Recent results from surveys such as DESI have raised the possibility that dark energy changes over time, which would require modifying the model.
Related abbreviations
More astronomy & Space abbreviations
- JAXA – Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
- JD – Julian date (Julian Day number)
- JPL – Jet Propulsion Laboratory
- JWST – James Webb Space Telescope
- KBO – Kuiper belt object
- kpc – Kiloparsec
- LEM – Lunar Excursion Module
- LEO – Low Earth orbit
- LISA – Laser Interferometer Space Antenna
- LOX – Liquid oxygen
- LSST – Legacy Survey of Space and Time
- ly – Light-year