Supercomputer simulations of galaxies have shown that Einstein's theory of General Relativity might not be the only way to explain how gravity works or how galaxies form.
Physicists at Durham University, UK, simulated the cosmos using an alternative model for gravity -- f(R)-gravity, a so called Chameleon Theory.
The resulting images produced by the simulation show that galaxies like our Milky Way could still form in the universe even with different laws of gravity.
The findings show the viability of Chameleon Theory -- so called because it changes behaviour according to the environment -- as an alternative to General Relativity in explaining the formation of structures in the universe.
The research could also help further understanding of dark energy -- the mysterious substance that is accelerating the expansion rate of the universe.
The findings are published in Nature Astronomy.
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