the scientific consensus was that the universe is indeed expanding. However, please note that my information might not be up to date with the latest scientific developments.
The expansion of the universe was first discovered through observations of distant galaxies in the early 20th century. Scientists found that galaxies were moving away from each other, indicating that the universe is expanding. This concept was further supported by measurements of the cosmic microwave background radiation, which provided evidence for the early stages of the universe's expansion.
The prevailing model for the expansion of the universe is known as the Lambda-Cold Dark Matter (ΛCDM) model. According to this model, the expansion is driven by two main components: dark energy and dark matter. Dark energy is a hypothetical form of energy that is thought to permeate space and is responsible for the accelerated expansion of the universe. Dark matter, on the other hand, is a form of matter that does not interact with light but exerts gravitational effects.
While the consensus in 2021 was that the universe is still expanding, it's worth noting that scientific knowledge and understanding continue to evolve. New observations, experiments, and theoretical advancements may lead to revisions or refinements of our understanding of the universe's expansion. Therefore, it is advisable to consult the latest scientific literature and sources to obtain the most up-to-date information on this topic.