Have scientists thought of what type of universe would evolve if physical constants had different values

Published: September 27, 2010

As developments in cosmology and string theory have led astrophysicsts to consider the concept of a "multiverse," they've also considered how some of these universes could have constants of nature that differe from those in our universe.

Photo by Astronomy: Roen Kelly

Detailed calculations have shown that for a relatively wide range in the values of the above three parameters, stars could still form. However, in a universe with much stronger gravity, there wouldn't be enough time for complexity (and life) to arise.

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