In a bold challenge to decades of astrophysical consensus, a new study from the University of Ottawa proposes a radical rethinking of the universe’s age and composition. The research, led by physicist Rajendra Gupta, suggests that the universe is 26.7 billion years old — nearly twice the age accepted by mainstream science — and that dark matter may not exist at all.
A New Cosmological Model
Gupta’s theory combines two lesser-known concepts:
- Covarying Coupling Constants (CCC): Suggests that the fundamental forces of nature weaken over cosmic time.
- Tired Light (TL): Proposes that light loses energy as it travels vast distances, rather than being stretched by expanding space.
Together, these ideas form the CCC+TL model, which Gupta claims better explains the distribution of galaxies and the redshift of light from the early universe.
Challenging the Standard Model
For decades, cosmologists have relied on the ΛCDM model, which assumes the universe is 13.8 billion years old and composed of:
- ~5% ordinary matter
- ~27% dark matter
- ~68% dark energy
Gupta’s findings dispute the need for dark matter entirely. He argues that the accelerated expansion of the universe is not driven by dark energy, but by the weakening of natural forces over time.
Implications for Science and Society
If validated, this theory could reshape our understanding of:
- Galactic formation: Explaining why some early galaxies appear too mature for their age.
- Cosmic evolution: Offering new insights into how stars, black holes, and planetary systems develop.
- Philosophical inquiry: Raising questions about the permanence of physical laws and the nature of reality itself.
A Scientific Controversy
While the study aligns with several astronomical observations, it remains controversial. Dark matter has long been used to explain gravitational effects that visible matter cannot account for. Gupta’s model challenges this by offering an alternative explanation rooted in changing physical constants.
The scientific community is watching closely, as further peer review and observational testing will determine whether this theory holds up under scrutiny.