The Digital Press

New research challenges the idea of dark energy by proposing that the universe has varying rates of time flow in different regions, which could explain observed cosmic acceleration without invoking dark energy. This "timescape model" accounts for cosmic structures like voids and filaments impacting how time passes.

Why it matters: It questions a fundamental assumption of uniform cosmic time, potentially reshaping our understanding of the universe's expansion.

The big picture: The timescape model incorporates general relativity effects on time due to cosmic structures, contrasting with the standard uniform-expansion model.

The stakes: If dark energy is unnecessary, it could rewrite cosmology, affecting models of the universe’s age, structure, and fate.

Commenters say: Many appreciate the fresh approach challenging standard models but caution that supernova data complexities and systematics still limit definitive conclusions.