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Dark energy bombshell sparks race to find a new model of the universe

‘Shocking’ results from a major astronomical study have raised doubts about the standard model of cosmology, forcing scientists to consider new ways of understanding dark energy and gravity

By Alex Wilkins

2 May 2025

A map of the universe created by the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI). Each dot is a galaxy, with Earth in the centre
DESI collaboration and KPNO/NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/R. Proctor

In the wake of bombshell findings that suggest dark energy might be weakening as the universe expands, physicists are considering replacing the standard cosmological model of the universe with exotic new theories that say gravity works differently to how we thought. Ideas involving string theory, a new fundamental force or even a form of gravity that changes over time are all options on the table.

Our best model of the universe…

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