In 1998, the accelerating expansion of the Universe was discovered by two competing groups of scientists called the Supernova Cosmology Project and the High-Z Supernova Search Team, led by Saul Perlmutter, Adam Reiss. and Brian Schmidt. And in 2011 they received noble physics prizes for their discovery of the accelerated expansion of the Universe. To do this, they applied new technologies like computers and digital cameras to study and measure the spectrum and brightness of light from other galaxies. The discovery proved the possible existence of a repulsive force of gravity called dark energy, responsible for accelerating the expansion of space. This challenged physicists' previous assumptions that the expansion of the universe would slow down and that it would eventually stop expanding or begin contracting again due to the pulling force of gravity. It also led to a change in the understanding of how the universe works. The discovery made by the two groups of scientists working and competing with each other contributed greatly to the understanding of how the universe worked and its beginnings. In 1912, astronomer Vesto Slipher, who studied the light spectrum of objects in space, was the first to notice the redness of other galaxies as they appeared in the sky. A few years later, in 1929, Carl Hubble discovered that other galaxies were moving away from us. While studying the light from Type 1a supernova explosions, he observed a Doppler effect in the supernova light, the redder the light he observed. A type 1a supernova is a binary star system in which one white dwarf star absorbs gas from the other and a thermonuclear explosion when it arrives...... middle of paper ...... view. The study of the supernova led to the discovery of the expanding and accelerating universe and proved the existence of dark energy that dominates the vacuum of space. The discovery was of benefit to humanity because it constitutes a significant contribution to our understanding of the functioning and origins of the universe in which we live. This knowledge could lead to many other discoveries and expand our knowledge even further. It shows the value of service because of the effects it has on humanity and has given us a better understanding of who we are and where we come from. Works Cited Kruesi, Liz. “Three cosmologists win the 2011 Nobel Prize in Physics.” Astronomy 40.1 (2012): 19. Academic research completed. Internet. November 17, 2013. Dan, Vergano. "Astronomer sees 'brake' on cosmic expansion." USA Today nd: Academic research completed. Internet. November 20. 2013.