Big Bang Has Narlikars Rival Model Still

A Cosmic Maverick: Jayant Narlikar's Enduring Challenge to the Universe's Genesis

Professor Jayant Vishnu Narlikar, a titan of Indian astrophysics and a relentless questioner of cosmic orthodoxy, has passed away at 86. His life's work, contesting the dominant Big Bang understanding and fostering scientific inquiry across India, leaves an indelible mark on global science and generations of researchers. Narlikar’s intellectual fearlessness and dedication to science popularisation reshaped India's scientific landscape.

A Formative Vision

In a work of imaginative narrative from 1983, the Indian astrophysicist Jayant Narlikar painted a picture of education in 2050. He imagined a future in which an extraterrestrial being, coexisting with humans, would learn through online classes displayed on a screen. While the arrival of extraterrestrial classmates remains in the realm of fiction, the concept of virtual schooling became a widespread reality much earlier, in 2020, with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. This foresight was characteristic of a mind that consistently thought beyond conventional boundaries.

Challenging Cosmic Dogma

Narlikar famously put forward a cosmological model that offered a different cosmological model when compared with the Big Bang understanding. The widely accepted Big Bang model posits that the cosmos came from a unique, very dense locus through a major occurrence approximately thirteen point eight thousand million years in the past. In stark contrast, Narlikar, alongside his mentor Sir Fred Hoyle, championed the Steady State theory. This model proposed a universe with no beginning and no end, one that perpetually existed and expanded, with new matter continuously forming to maintain a constant density.

An Enduring Legacy

The recent passing of Professor Narlikar marks a significant moment for India and the global scientific community. At 86, he was celebrated as a thinker who was considerably beyond his contemporaries. His enduring dedication to fostering scientific learning profoundly influenced numerous Indian researchers. The diverse gathering at his funeral, comprising school students, eminent scientists, and even his household staff, powerfully illustrated the deep impression he made upon the community. His work continues to inspire critical thinking and a spirit of inquiry.

Foundations in Academia

Jayant Narlikar entered the world on the nineteenth of July, nineteen thirty-eight, within the Kolhapur municipality, situated in Maharashtra, a province in India's west. His upbringing occurred within a family deeply rooted in scholarly pursuits. Vishnu Vasudev Narlikar, his male parent, held a position as an esteemed academic and numbers expert, heading the mathematics department at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), where young Jayant spent his formative years. His mother, Sumati Narlikar, possessed profound knowledge of the Sanskrit tongue. This environment undoubtedly nurtured his intellectual curiosity from an early age.

Cambridge and a Fateful Collaboration

Following his early education at Banaras Hindu University, Narlikar pursued higher studies at the University of Cambridge. There, he excelled, achieving the highest distinction in an exceptionally esteemed program focused on mathematics and winning the Tyson Medal for astronomy in 1960. He developed a profound fascination with the study of celestial bodies and the universe's structure. A pivotal chapter in his Cambridge journey was his collaboration with his doctoral advisor, the physicist Sir Fred Hoyle of renown. This partnership laid the crucial groundwork for their groundbreaking substitute to the widely accepted Big Bang hypothesis. Narlikar earned his PhD in 1963 and an additional master's degree in astronomy and astrophysics in 1964.

The Hoyle-Narlikar Theory Emerges

Together, Hoyle and Narlikar robustly contested the Big Bang hypothesis, which suggests that every particle and all forms of power within the cosmos appeared suddenly, roughly thirteen point eight thousand million years prior. The Hoyle-Narlikar theory, a cornerstone of Steady State cosmology, boldly proposed the unending generation of fresh material within an infinite and ageless universe. Their framework, known as the quasi-steady state paradigm, attempted to address perceived shortcomings in the Big Bang narrative, such as the origin of the initial singularity.

Explaining Continuous Creation

Within his personal account, titled My Tale of Four Cities (Chaar Nagarantale Maze Vishwa), Narlikar employed a comparison drawn from the world of finance to make the concept of continuous creation more accessible. He likened the universe to capital deposited into a bank furnishing a set rate of compounding earnings. The accrued interest consistently incorporates the accumulated interest back into the principal amount, causing both to grow. Similarly, the universe expands, but new matter is generated to maintain a consistent overall appearance to an observer, aligning with the "steady state" moniker. This addressed how the universe could expand yet not become diluted.

Image Credit - Business Standard

The C-Field and Mach's Principle

The Hoyle-Narlikar theory of gravity, integral to their cosmological model, incorporated Mach's principle, which suggests that a particle's inertia is influenced by all other matter in the universe. They introduced the concept of a "C-field" (creation field), a scalar field with negative energy density. This C-field would drive the creation of matter, with its negative energy balancing the positive energy of newly formed particles, thus conserving overall energy. This mechanism also prevented singularities and explained cosmic expansion as a consequence of matter creation.

An Evolving Perspective

While the Big Bang concept gained broader acceptance, particularly with the discovery of the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) radiation, Narlikar and his collaborators continued to refine their ideas. They proposed the Quasi-Steady State Cosmology (QSSC), which envisioned the universe undergoing cycles of expansion and contraction without a singular beginning. In this updated model, the CMB was explained as thermalized radiation from interstellar dust, a product of supernovae from previous cosmic cycles, rather than a relic of a hot Big Bang.

Scholarly Recognition and Debate

Astronomer Somak Raychaudhury, currently Vice-Chancellor at Ashoka University, observed that while the Narlikar hypothesis does not command the same level of acceptance as the Big Bang model, it nevertheless holds value. Raychaudhury highlighted that Narlikar advanced mechanisms for the continuous creation and destruction of matter. He also pointed out that many mathematical tools devised for the steady-state paradigm continue to find application in modern cosmology. Narlikar’s unwavering commitment to the steady-state conceptualization persisted even when Sir Fred Hoyle himself began to consider aspects of the Big Bang.

"An Exploding Myth"

Professor Narlikar's conviction in his alternative cosmological model was famously encapsulated by a sign he kept displayed externally to his workspace. The placard boldly declared that the Big Bang was a fallacy undergoing disintegration. This succinct statement reflected his scientific stance and his willingness to challenge prevailing scientific paradigms, even when faced with mounting evidence supporting the Big Bang hypothesis. He viewed new evidence for the Big Bang as a fresh challenge and an opportunity to rigorously test his own ideas.

Early Career in the UK

Before his significant return to India, Narlikar established a strong presence in the United Kingdom's academic circles. King's College, Cambridge, recognized him with a Fellowship. Furthermore, he participated as an inaugural associate of a new body, the Institute of Theoretical Astronomy in Cambridge, established by Sir Fred Hoyle in 1966. Narlikar remained associated with this institute until 1971, contributing to its early development and research output. His work during this period garnered international recognition.

Return to India and TIFR

As Narlikar's reputation grew in international astrophysics, the scientific establishment within India duly acknowledged his significant accomplishments. He journeyed back, making India his home again in nineteen seventy-two. Promptly upon his return, he assumed leadership of the Theoretical Astrophysics Group. The coveted Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in Mumbai housed this group, and he guided it through 1989, playing a key role in shaping India's research direction in theoretical astrophysics.

The Genesis of IUCAA

Professor Narlikar’s most substantial contribution to Indian science was arguably establishing a center devoted to pioneering inquiry and making scientific knowledge accessible to all. This vision culminated in 1988. In that year, Narlikar, collaborating with several other eminent scientific figures, established the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), locating it in the Pune urban area in the western part of India. The UGC recognized IUCAA as an autonomous centre.

IUCAA's Growth and Mission

From its modest beginnings in a 100-square-foot room on the Pune University campus, IUCAA rapidly evolved into an internationally acclaimed center for astronomical and astrophysical studies. Professor Narlikar held the position of its inaugural director until the year two thousand three, guiding its growth and establishing its research ethos. Subsequently, he carried on his association with IUCAA as a professor emeritus, continuing to contribute to its academic environment. The campus itself, designed by architect Charles Correa, reflects cosmic concepts.

Democratising Science: IUCAA's Outreach

A core tenet of Narlikar's vision for IUCAA was the democratisation of science. He ardently insisted that the centre should actively incorporate initiatives specifically designed for young learners and the wider populace. Consequently, recurring activities such as monthly talks, scientific exploration camps, and practical learning sessions became standard occurrences of IUCAA's activities. The Muktangan Vidnyan Shodhika (Exploratorium), established in 2004 with a grant from the Pu La Deshpande Foundation, further exemplifies this commitment, offering science popularisation specifically for school students.

Fostering Future Scientists

Arvind Gupta, a science educator, remembers Narlikar's outlook for the center. Gupta recalled Narlikar expressing that doctoral candidates are not simply discovered; one must nurture them from an early age. Narlikar offered Gupta a place at IUCAA, encouraging him to run the children's science facility for half a year. This opportunity blossomed into an eleven-year tenure for Gupta, who credits Narlikar with enabling him to soar. This approach shaped a generation of researchers.

A Prolific Pen: Science and Fiction

Beyond his extensive research, which resulted in over 300 scholarly papers, Professor Narlikar did not limit his identity solely to that of a scientific investigator. He was a gifted communicator and a prolific author, penning numerous imaginative tales rooted in science, works which have found an audience in various tongues through translation, across English, Marathi, and Hindi. These fictional narratives frequently drew their foundations from established scientific tenets, making complex ideas accessible and engaging for a wider audience.

Sci-Fi with Foresight

Narlikar's science fiction often exhibited remarkable prescience. His 2015 story Virus imagined a pandemic gripping the world. Decades earlier, his 1986 Marathi novel Waman Parat Na Ala (The Return of Vaman) delved into the ethical complexities and potential societal disruptions posed by advanced artificial intelligence, themes that resonate powerfully today. Another story, "Athenscha Plague" (The Plague in Athens), written over thirty years ago, depicted a deadly virus from an asteroid devastating ancient Athens, a narrative that gained renewed attention during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Inspiring Unthinkable Pursuits

Sanjeev Dhurandhar, a key member of the Indian group instrumental in the 2015 material confirmation of gravitational undulations, reminisced about how Narlikar motivated him to undertake seemingly impossible endeavors. Early in Dhurandhar's research, Narlikar presented him with a highly complex problem. Following a week of Dhurandhar's efforts, Narlikar resolved it on a chalkboard within fifteen minutes. Dhurandhar emphasized this action did not serve to assert dominance, but rather to offer direction and motivation. He added that Narlikar's receptive attitude towards gravitational phenomena provided him the boldness to follow that line of inquiry.

Champion of Rationalism

As a widely recognized proponent of reason, Narlikar also assumed the responsibility of confronting unsubstantiated beliefs. Narlikar’s drive to dispute unscientific claims stemmed from a personal conviction to scrutinize any assertion lacking empirical support. In the year two thousand eight, he jointly wrote an academic article that questioned astrology by employing a method based on statistics. This study, conducted with the late anti-superstition activist Narendra Dabholkar and others, involved testing astrologers' abilities to differentiate horoscopes of intellectually gifted students from those with learning difficulties. The results demonstrated no predictive success beyond chance.

Image Credit - MSN

Debunking Astrological Claims

Narlikar often spoke about the non-scientific nature of astrology, asserting it was an imported concept not originally part of Vedic traditions, likely arriving in India with Alexander the Great. The experiment he conducted involved 200 horoscopes (100 from scholarly students, 100 from students with learning issues). Astrologers invited to participate failed to distinguish between the two groups with any statistical significance; the average success rate was far below the threshold set to demonstrate genuine predictive ability. This research found publication in the journal Current Science in 2009.

Upholding Scientific Temper

His commitment to scientific temper extended to public demonstrations, such as being photographed eating during eclipses to dispel superstitious beliefs. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar recalled Narlikar's impactful presidential address at the All India Marathi Literary Conference, where he boldly spoke against superstition. Narlikar consistently advocated for evidence-based thinking and opposed the inclusion of disciplines like astrology in university curricula if they claimed scientific status without rigorous validation. He considered Vastu Shastra, as commonly practised, a pseudoscience lacking logical connection to the environment.

A Universe of Awards and Recognition

Professor Narlikar's contributions to science and its popularisation earned him numerous prestigious awards. He received the Padma Bhushan in 1965 at the young age of 26, and later the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honour, in 2004. Other accolades included the Smith's Prize (1962), Adams Prize (1967), the Kalinga Prize by UNESCO for science popularisation (1996), the Prix Jules Janssen from the French Astronomical Society (2004), and the Maharashtra Bhushan (2010). His autobiography received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2014.

Shaping Science Education

Narlikar’s influence extended to shaping formal science education in India. The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) appointed him chairperson of the advisory group for textbooks in science and mathematics. He was also a consultant for these textbooks. His efforts aimed to make science accessible and foster scientific curiosity among the youth. He featured on Carl Sagan's renowned television series Cosmos: A Personal Voyage in the late 1980s, further amplifying his reach as a science communicator.

Guiding Future Astronomers

Many prominent Indian astrophysicists, including Thanu Padmanabhan, Sanjeev Dhurandhar, Ajit Kembhavi, and Naresh Dhadich, were mentored by Narlikar. These individuals, in turn, have trained subsequent generations of scientists, creating a cascading effect of his influence. This mentorship is considered one of his most enduring legacies. His approach was described as democratic and patient, never forcing his views but encouraging discussion and critical thinking.

IUCAA: A Hub of Modern Research

Today, IUCAA stands as a testament to Narlikar’s vision. It promotes nucleation and growth of active astronomy and astrophysics groups in Indian universities. The centre is involved in major global scientific projects, including the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO)-India, the AstroSat multiwavelength space mission, and the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT). IUCAA hosts advanced research facilities, including high-performance computing clusters, and runs the Girawali Observatory. Its academic programmes include PhD courses, workshops, and visitor programmes, attracting hundreds of academics annually.

Exploring Slim Possibilities

Despite his strong stance against pseudoscience, Professor Narlikar maintained an open mind in the domain of scientific inquiry. He held the conviction that one should investigate even the most remote likelihoods within a scientific framework. This included leading an experiment to collect microorganisms from the upper atmosphere, which suggested evidence of living matter in the stratosphere, prompting cautious speculation about the possibility of extraterrestrial origins for some life on Earth. This epitomised his approach: bold inquiry tempered by scientific caution and the demand for further evidence.

Final Musings

In his final years, Jayant Narlikar continued to engage with the scientific community and the public. He remained active, replying to letters from children and sharing his thoughts on science through his blog. His dedication to sparking curiosity and fostering a love for science in young minds never waned. His passing is mourned as the dimming of a brilliant star in India's scientific firmament, an irreparable loss to knowledge and rational thought.

A Legacy of Inquiry

Professor Jayant Vishnu Narlikar’s life was a profound testament to the power of questioning, the importance of scientific rigour, and the responsibility of scientists to communicate their knowledge. He not only challenged established cosmological theories but also actively worked to build institutions that would foster future generations of critical thinkers in India. His unwavering commitment to seeking alternatives, coupled with his passion for making science accessible, ensures his legacy will continue to inspire for decades to come. The best tribute, many feel, is to carry forward his mission of promoting scientific thinking.