The JWST discovery indicates that the age of the universe is 26.7 billion years, which is almost double the previous estimate.

A recent study published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society challenges the prevailing cosmological framework by proposing that our universe may be twice as old as previously estimated. The study, conducted by Rajendra Gupta, an adjunct professor of physics at the University of Ottawa, suggests that the universe is approximately 26.7 billion years old, significantly older than the previously accepted estimate of 13.7 billion years. This new model extends the timeline for galaxy formation by several billion years, shedding new light on the perplexing “impossible early galaxy problem.”

In the past, astronomers and physicists have determined the age of the universe by calculating the time since the Big Bang and studying the oldest stars. They primarily relied on analyzing the redshift of light from distant galaxies. However, in 2021, advancements in technology and innovative methodologies allowed for a more precise estimation of the universe’s age at 13.797 billion years, based on the Lambda-CDM concordance model.

Despite this progress, the discovery of stars like Methuselah, which appear to be older than the estimated age of the universe, and the observation of early galaxies in an advanced developmental stage by the James Webb Space Telescope, have puzzled many scientists. These early galaxies, which emerged just 300 million years after the Big Bang, exhibit characteristics that are typically associated with billions of years of cosmic evolution. Furthermore, their relatively small size adds another layer of complexity to the puzzle.

Zwicky’s theory of tired light suggests that the redshift of light from distant galaxies is a result of the gradual dissipation of energy by photons over vast cosmic distances. However, previous observations seemed to contradict this theory. Nevertheless, Gupta proposes that by combining this theory with the concept of an expanding universe, it becomes possible to interpret the redshift as a combined phenomenon, rather than solely due to expansion.

Additionally, Gupta puts forward the idea of evolving “coupling constants,” which were originally proposed by Paul Dirac. These constants, governing particle interactions, might have undergone changes over time as per Dirac’s theory. Allowing for their evolution expands the timeline for the formation of early galaxies detected by the Webb telescope at high redshifts from a few hundred million years to several billion years. This provides a more feasible rationale for the advanced developmental phase and significant mass seen in these ancient galaxies.

Furthermore, Gupta recommends reevaluating the traditional interpretation of the “cosmological constant,” which signifies dark energy driving the universe’s rapid expansion. Instead, he suggests a constant that takes into account the evolution of coupling constants. This modification to the cosmological framework helps in solving the mystery of small galaxy sizes observed in the early universe, enabling more accurate observations.

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