static Universe


static Universe

A Universe in which the cosmic scale factor is independent of time. Einstein proposed a static Universe in 1916 by including an ad hoc repulsion term – the cosmological constant, λ – in his field equations of general relativity. This canceled out the natural tendency for a gravitating Universe either to expand or contract, depending on its energy content. See cosmological models; expanding Universe.

static universe

[′stad·ik ′yü·nə‚vərs] (astronomy) A postulated universe that has a finite static volume and is closed.