An introduction to the dark energy problem

Abstract

In this work we review briefly the origin and history of the cosmological constant and its recent reincarnation in the form of the dark energy component of the universe. We also comment on the fundamental problems associated to its existence and magnitude which require and urgent solution for the sake of the internal consistency of theoretical physics.

9 pages, 2 figures. Contribution to the proceedings of "Space Astronomy: The UV window to the Universe", El Escorial, Spain, 2007