A Resolution to the Cosmological Constant Problem: Reconsidering the Gravitational Role of Vacuum Energy
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The persistent discrepancy between quantum field theoretical predictions ofvacuum energy density and the observed value of the cosmological constantsuggests a fundamental issue in our understanding of their gravitational effects.We argue that General Relativity developed without quantum mechanicalinput, is not suited to accommodate zero-point energy as a source term inthe Einstein field equations. Instead, we propose that the cosmological constantarises from large-scale curvature effects rather than an intrinsic vacuumenergy density. This approach naturally resolves the cosmological constantproblem without requiring fine-tuning or exotic physics. Furthermore, weoutline how this perspective aligns with the idea that only energy contributionswith physical boundaries (e.g., mass-affected zero-point fluctuations)gravitate, while uniform vacuum fluctuations do not.
Author: Van Nieuwenhove, Rudi
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W6912030273
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