From the September 2010 issue

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

Jim Johnson, Dallas, Texas
By | Published: September 27, 2010 | Last updated on May 18, 2023
Bubble universes
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.
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.