Dark Energy Doesn’t Exist, Say Canterbury University Scientists

Does ‘Dark Energy’ Really ⁢Exist? New Zealand Scientists Challenge ⁣Cosmic Theory

Canterbury University researchers propose a radical new model for the universe’s expansion,‍ perhaps rewriting our understanding of cosmology.

For years, the prevailing theory among physicists has been that the universe is expanding at an accelerating rate, driven by a mysterious ‍force known as “dark energy.” This unseen energy, thought to make up roughly 68%⁣ of the universe, has been used to explain the observed acceleration.

But now, a team of New Zealand scientists led by Professor David Wiltshire at Canterbury University is ⁣challenging this long-held ⁣belief. Their research, published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical ⁣Society, suggests that the universe’s expansion is not⁤ uniform, but rather “lumpier” than previously thought.

[Image: NGC 346 is a dynamic star cluster that lies within a nebula 200,000 light years away. Photo: NASA, ESA, CSA, Olivia C. Jones (UK ATC), Guido de Marchi (ESTEC), Margaret Meixner (USRA) Image processing: Alyssa Pagan (STScI), Nolan Habel (USRA), Laura Lenkić (USRA), Laurie E. U. Chu (NASA Ames)]

The team analyzed light curves from the Pantheon+ supernovae dataset,a⁣ collection of observations of exploding stars used to measure cosmic distances. Their findings indicate that ⁣the universe’s expansion is not consistent across all directions, casting doubt on the need for dark energy.

Instead, Professor Wiltshire and his team propose an alternative model called “timescape cosmology.” This model suggests that the universe’s evolution is driven by the interplay of gravity and the expansion of space-time itself, eliminating the need for dark energy.

“Our findings,combined with new data,have profound consequences for cosmology and astrophysics,” said Professor Wiltshire. “They may ⁢help us resolve the universe’s biggest mystery within the next five years.”

The research, supported ⁤by the Marsden Fund, a New Zealand government funding body, adds fuel to the ongoing debate about the nature of dark energy and the fundamental workings ⁢of the universe.

This groundbreaking research comes at ‍a time when the Marsden Fund ⁢itself ⁣is facing scrutiny. Earlier this year,the fund announced changes to its terms of reference,which have been met with criticism from the scientific community.

Does ‘Dark Energy’ Really⁣ Exist? New Zealand scientists Challenge Cosmic Theory

canterbury University researchers propose a radical new model for the universe’s⁢ expansion, perhaps rewriting our understanding of cosmology.

For years, physicists have agreed the universe is expanding at an accelerating rate, driven by a mysterious force called “dark energy.” ⁤This unseen energy, thought to comprise roughly ⁣68%‍ of the universe, has⁤ been used⁣ to explain the observed acceleration.

But now,‍ a team of New Zealand scientists led by Professor David Wiltshire ⁢at Canterbury University is challenging this long-held belief.‍ Their research, published in the‍ Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, suggests that the universe’s expansion is not uniform, but ⁢rather “lumpier” than previously thought.

The team analyzed light curves from the Pantheon+ supernovae dataset, a ‍collection of observations of exploding stars used to measure cosmic distances.⁣ Their findings indicate ‍that the universe’s expansion is not consistent across all directions,casting doubt on the need for dark energy.

Rather, Professor Wiltshire and his team propose an alternative model called “timescape cosmology.” this model suggests that the universe’s evolution is driven by the interplay of gravity and the expansion of⁤ space-time itself, eliminating the need for dark energy.

“Our findings, combined with new data, have profound consequences for cosmology and astrophysics,” ⁤said Professor Wiltshire. “They may help us resolve the universe’s biggest mystery within the next five years.”

The research, supported by the Marsden Fund, a New Zealand government funding body, adds fuel to the ongoing debate about the nature of dark energy and the fundamental workings of⁢ the universe.