Scientists from Canterbury University have challenged the long-held concept of dark energy, which was previously believed to explain the universe’s expansion in all directions equally. A team of physicists led by Professor David Wiltshire used light curves from the Pantheon+ supernovae to show that the universe is actually expanding in a more “lumpier” way.
This new study, published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, proposes an alternative model called timescape cosmology to understand the evolution of the universe. The researchers found that dark energy isn’t needed at all and that their findings have significant implications for cosmology and astrophysics.
The team’s discovery may help resolve the universe’s biggest mystery within five years. The research was supported by the Marsden Fund, despite earlier criticism from the science community regarding changes to its terms of reference.
Source: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/top/537236/profound-consequences-canterbury-university-scientists-make-dark-energy-breakthrough