
Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal Subir Sarkar: Why Dark Energy is a Local Illusion
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Jan 26, 2026 Subir Sarkar, theoretical physicist and former head of Oxford's particle theory group, argues that dark energy may be a local illusion. He discusses directional cosmic acceleration, reanalysis of supernova and radio/quasar dipole data, challenges to isotropy and the cosmological-constant assumption, and alternative inhomogeneous models that could mimic acceleration.
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FLRW Assumption Drives Dark Energy Claim
- The dark energy inference requires the FLRW metric's isotropy assumption to interpret faint supernovae as cosmic acceleration.
- Sarkar argues that relaxing isotropy can remove the need for a cosmological constant.
Question Nominal Sigma Claims
- Treat quoted sigma values as conditional on correct modeling and systematics being absent.
- Demand effective significance, not just nominal p-values, before declaring discoveries.
Prestige Can Impede Scientific Scrutiny
- Scientific recognition (like Nobels) can create resistance to re-examining results.
- Sarkar experienced gatekeeping when challenging established discoveries.





