  We investigate the effects of negative pressure induced by dark energy
(cosmological constant or quintessence) on the dynamics at various
astrophysical scales. Negative pressure induces a repulsive term (antigravity)
in Newton's law which dominates on large scales. Assuming a value of the
cosmological constant consistent with the recent SnIa data we determine the
critical scale $r_c$ beyond which antigravity dominates the dynamics ($r_c \sim
1Mpc $) and discuss some of the dynamical effects implied. We show that
dynamically induced mass estimates on the scale of the Local Group and beyond
are significantly modified due to negative pressure. We also briefly discuss
possible dynamical tests (eg effects on local Hubble flow) that can be applied
on relatively small scales (a few $Mpc$) to determine the density and equation
of state of dark energy.
