Jayant Narlikar improved the steady-state theory with Fred Hoyle, suggesting that matter was continuously created, but evidence from observation caused its fall and a new look at cosmology began.
Jayant Narlikar (1938-2025) was a leading cosmologist in India. Fred Hoyle, Hermann Bondi and Thomas Gold first argued the theory, which challenged the popular Big Bang theory by suggesting that the universe lives on forever and makes new matter to hold its density steady. While the Big Bang theory achieved acceptance because of evidence from cosmic microwave background radiation, Narlikar and Hoyle tried to solidify the steady-state model by introducing the Hoyle-Narlikar theory of gravity, which involved the C-field, a creation field. Narlikar not only worked on the steady-state theory but also made important developments in theoretical physics, astrophysics and science in India. Working at the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) made him well-known as a leader in his field. Even though the steady-state theory fell out of favour, Narlikar’s research remains important in modern cosmology and inspires new ways to study the universe.
History and development of the Steady-State Theory
The steady-state theory is a model of the universe that does not believe in only one beginning event. Since new cosmological observations were emerging, this theory proposes that the universe has always existed and will always exist, because of continual matter production.
Origin of the Steady-State Theory
At the end of the 1940s, few scientists suggested the steady-state theory to differ from the Big Bang theory. They said that the universe does not have a starting point or endpoint and is identical at every time. Whilst the Big Bang model talks about the universe developing over time, steady-state cosmology suggests that new matter always appears so the universe’s density is always the same.
Fundamental Principles
In big bang theory states universe went through an evolution process but the principle of steady-state theory states opposite. The idea is that while galaxies move farther away, random formation of matter keeps the density away from any noticeable change. The idea is that a creation field guides and produces the structure of matter.
How the Effort Started and Initial Difficulties
Some astronomers and physicists held a positive view of the steady-state theory in the late 1950s and the 1960s. Studies of galaxies in space agreed well with the theory’s predictions. Yet, as evidence mounted, especially with the finding of the CMB in 1965, the model was no longer widely accepted. The finding of the CMB made it clear that the universe was hot during its early days, so many scientists chose the Big Bang theory.
Geoffrey Henry and Further Revisions
Afterward, Jayant Narlikar and Fred Hoyle upgraded the steady-state model with the Hoyle-Narlikar theory of gravity. The theory tried to explain why matter is created all the time. Even though astronomy no longer favoured the theory, Narlikar’s ideas improved cosmology and offered alternative aspects on the universe’s establishments.
Jayant Narlikar Begins His Journey in Cosmology
Because Jayant Narlikar was so passionate about mathematics and astrophysics, he naturally turned to cosmology. Because of his early education and work with famous scientists, he achieved great progress in the field.
Initial years and education
Born in Kolhapur, India in 1938, Narlikar benefited from a stimulating environment throughout his childhood. Since Jayant’s father, Vishnu Vasudev Narlikar, was a respected mathematician, it inspired Jayant to explore science as a young person. He started his university education at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), where he got a degree in mathematics, then went to study at Cambridge University.
Cambridge and Being Guided by Fred Hoyle
Narlikar graduated from the Mathematical Tripos course at Cambridge in 1959. His most important mentor in education was the British astronomer Fred Hoyle. With Hoyle as his advisor, Narlikar got involved in theoretical cosmology by studying other models of the universe. Because of their collaborative effort, they introduced the Hoyle-Narlikar gravity theory that questioned standard cosmology.
Early work
After getting his PhD in cosmology in 1963, Narlikar also earned a Master’s degree in astronomy and astrophysics in 1964. His dissertation explored ways to improve the steady-state theory which explained the universe by saying its overall matter density stayed the same as more matter was created all the time. The model’s theoretical base was made stronger due to the new calculations he incorporated.
A co-founder of the Institute of Theoretical Astronomy
Narlikar was one of the first members of the Institute of Theoretical Astronomy which Hoyle formed in 1966. The advanced project at this institute provided Narlikar with chances to develop his ideas about cosmology. The research he did during this time earned him a place among the top experts in the field.
Go back to India to set up the IUCAA
Narlikar settled back in India the following year, starting a different phase at the TIFR. In 1988, he helped establish the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in Pune which encouraged astrophysical research in the country. Many scientists are still inspired by his scientific studies.
The idea of the Hoyle-Narlikar Theory of Gravity
The theory was proposed to replace General Theory of Relativity by sir Albert Einstein. In 1964, Fred Hoyle and Jayant Narlikar brought forth this theory, hoping to utilize Mach’s principle which states that the universe affects an object’s inertia.
What is Mach’s Principle and what has It Changed?
According to this principle the mass of object is affected by its interactions with matter present all around it. Though Einstein was impressed by this principle, he didn’t succeed in working it into his theories. Their stance was the theory that objects have inertia because they are affected gravitationally by everything in the universe.
The Math behind the Framework and Further Development
The Hoyle-Narlikar theory offered a model called conformal gravity to Einstein’s equations which makes it possible for matter to be created all the time. In contrast to general relativity, they suggested that gravity changes over time according to the way matter is spread in the universe.
The Creation Field (C-Field)
The theory was based largely on the creation field (C-field), a field of negative energy that is responsible for the formation of matter constantly. According to the concept, the steady-state theory suggested that the universe has no start or finish and its density always remains unchanged as it grows.
Reasons for Declining Acceptance
Even though Hoyle and Narlikar developed the approach differently, it had plenty of challenges. Due to CMB being discovered in 1965, the Big Bang theory gained tremendous support which made the steady-state model less plausible. For this reason, few scientists now accept or use the Hoyle-Narlikar framework.
Legacy and the Results of Scientific Work
Even though people do not accept the theory today, it is still a valuable part of cosmology. His studies inspired new ways to look at gravity and the origins of the universe which affected the course of astrophysics and theoretical physics.
Problems and weakening of the Steady-State Theory
Earlier, the idea of a steady-state theory was put forward against the Big Bang, describing an endless universe that made new matter continuously. Compiling data from observation eventually caused the rise of new theories.
The growing number observational Contradictions
Between the 1950s and 1960s, astronomers collected information that did not fit the steady-state model. The finding of quasars which are far and very active, implied that the universe had changed as time passed. This went against the steady-state theory which believed the universe would not evolve in appearance.
Discovery of Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation (CMB)
a faint light that fills the universe was measured by the presence of CBM by renowned scientists A. Penzias and r. Wilson. Scientists believed the early expansion of the universe would leave its mark in radiation which was predicted by the Big Bang theory. Many scientists favoured the Big Bang theory because the steady-state model did not properly explain what was happening.
Inability to Explain Elements Abundance
The abundance hydrogen and helium was hard to match as per theory. Scientists believe that nucleosynthesis, something that happened in the early universe, explains how the elements formed according to the Big Bang model. The steady-state theory did not give a reason for the observed elemental abundances.
Scientific proof is eroding
The steady-state theory was pushed aside as other observations were made. Those who supported it the most such as Fred Hoyle and Jayant Narlikar, also made improvements, for example the Hoyle-Narlikar theory of gravity. Even so, these changes did not get the support of many communities.
Contribution to Modern Day Cosmology
Even though it has declined in popularity, steady-state theory gave important contributions to cosmology. Other theories about the universe’s origin were spawned by this view and impacted later concepts. Narlikar’s studies motivate further research by showing that testing existing concepts is important in astrophysics.
The Effect of Narlikar’s Work
His work in cosmology and astrophysics had effects that went well past his theories. Research, teaching and communicating in astronomy and physics have played a long-lasting role in improving the field.
Revolutionizing Cosmology
Hoyle and Narlikar work on the Hoyle-Narlikar theory challenged the sir Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity. His theories gave an alternative view of how the universe began which inspired scientists to share their ideas and examine different cosmological ideas.
Creating Institutions and Doing Research
Narlikar launched the IUCAA in Pune to focus on astronomical research in the year 1988. Under his watch, IUCAA earned a strong global reputation and helped scientists and students to join forces.
Communication in Science and Engaging the Public
As well as his academic work, Narlikar spent much time sharing his views on science with others. He put out books, wrote articles and made radio programs to explain scientific ideas aimed at the public. Because of him there was a rise in scientific ideas and participatory thought processes in India.
Awards and Prizes
Padma Bhushan in 1965 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2004 were awarded to him for his contributions to Astrophysics. The Bangalore-born scientist was appreciated for his achievements in literature and science when his autobiography won the Sahitya Akademi award (2014).
A career full of scientific contributions
Though the steady-state idea is not well accepted now, Narlikar’s contributions still motivate new ways of thinking in cosmology. By disputing existing knowledge, he has helped future scientists in astrophysics to look for new answers. What Narlikar left behind shows how valuable scientific inquiry, education and public involvement are. The things he achieved have helped shape current cosmology and are still affecting astrophysics everywhere.
Conclusion
The changes Jayant Narlikar made to the steady-state theory and theoretical cosmology have changed how astrophysics is understood. Although the steady-state approach became less accepted, his contribution to science helped create new ideas in this field. In addition to his theories, Narlikar played a key part in teaching science and chain engaging the public, which influenced upcoming researchers. Through his leadership at IUCAA, he opened the door to broader astrophysical research in India and is now recognized as an important pioneering scientist. Even though the Big Bang theory leads scientific discussions, Narlikar inspires many scientists to seek novel approaches in science. His research highlights the need to test known theories and search for new knowledge about the universe.