RIP Jayant Narlikar (1938-2025)

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Jayant Narlikar, a prominent astrophysicist and science communicator, passed away at the age of 86 on May 20, 2025. He was known for challenging the Big Bang theory and co-developing the Hoyle-Narlikar theory of gravity, which presented an alternative cosmology. Narlikar played a crucial role in establishing leading astrophysics institutions in India and was dedicated to making complex scientific concepts accessible to the public. His legacy continues to inspire discussions around modifications of gravity and alternative cosmological models.

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jayant_Narlikar

https://www.nature.com/articles/d44151-025-00092-4

Jayant Narlikar, visionary astrophysicist and science populariser, dies at 86​

He challenged the Big Bang, co-developed an alternative cosmology, built India’s premier astrophysics institutions and brought the universe into the classroom
- 20 May 2025


(2021) In conversation with Prof. Jayant V. Narlikar


Walk The Talk With Renowned Astrophysicist Professor Jayant Narlikar
https://www.ndtv.com/video/walk-the...trophysicist-professor-jayant-narlikar-372830

(2019) How well do we know our universe? by Jayant Narlikar



(2025) Exploring the Legacy of Dr. Jayant Narlikar | PIC | 31st May 2025



https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoyle–Narlikar_theory_of_gravity

A New Theory of Gravitation
Hoyle, F. ; Narlikar, J. V.
Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. Series A, Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Volume 282, Issue 1389, pp. 191-207
November 1964
https://doi.org/10.1098/rspa.1964.0227
 
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It's sad to learn of another great scientist passing the torch.

The Big Bang theorists have won out over Hoyle's and Narlikar's steady state universe theory.

But it survives as a historically important alternative cosmology and as an inspiration for exploring modifications of gravity.
 
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