A recent study by Rajendra Gupta, a physics professor at the University of Ottawa, challenges long-held beliefs about the universe, suggesting that it is 27 billion years old and that dark matter may not exist.
Gupta’s research proposes that dark matter and dark energy may not be necessary to explain how the universe operates. His model combines two key theories: “tired light” (TL) and covarying coupling constants (CCC). The CCC theory questions the assumption that fundamental constants like the speed of light or the charge of an electron remain unchanged.
If the CCC theory proves correct, it could drastically alter our understanding of the universe. The “tired light” theory suggests that light loses energy over long distances, leading to redder wavelengths, without needing the universe to expand. Together, these theories provide a fresh perspective on cosmic phenomena.
In his findings, Gupta states that this new model challenges current understanding. He explains, “Our study confirms earlier research indicating that the universe is 26.7 billion years old, dismissing the need for dark matter.” He further suggests that instead of dark energy driving the universe’s accelerated expansion, it may be caused by weakening forces of nature.
Gupta’s research focuses on “redshifts,” where light stretches toward the red end of the spectrum as it moves through space. By examining data on galaxy distribution at both low and high redshifts, Gupta concluded that dark matter is not necessary.
“There are many studies that question the existence of dark matter, but mine is the first, to my knowledge, that eliminates its cosmological existence while remaining consistent with key cosmological observations,” Gupta said.