Recent progress in dark energy research

Astronomical observations strongly suggest that the expansion rate of our universe is currently under acceleration. The nature of the so-called dark energy causing the acceleration is unknown, and it is one of the fundamental mysteries in the present day theoretical cosmology. Here we briefly review the current state of cosmic dark energy research in both theoretical and observational sides. Constraints on dynamical dark energy models (e.g., w-fluid, quintessence, and modified gravity) with recent observational data from type Ia supernovae, cosmic microwave background radiation, and large-scale structures in the universe indicate a preferred direction toward the simplest ${\Lambda}$CDM world model. We also discuss some issues regarding the early dark energy model and the spherical collapse of matter in the presence of dark energy.