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Explaining Tensor-Vector-Scalar (TeVeS) Gravity in Cosmology - Comprehensive Discussion - Glossary of Cosmology

Modified gravity theory, abbreviated as TeVeS (Tensor-Vector-Scalar Gravity), was introduced by Jacob Bekenstein in 2004. This theory serves as a substitute for the well-known General Relativity.

TeVeS (Tensor-Vector-Scalar Gravity) - Comprehensive Definition and In-Depth Description -...
TeVeS (Tensor-Vector-Scalar Gravity) - Comprehensive Definition and In-Depth Description - Cosmology Dictionary

Explaining Tensor-Vector-Scalar (TeVeS) Gravity in Cosmology - Comprehensive Discussion - Glossary of Cosmology

A New Theory of Gravity: TeVeS Challenges General Relativity

In the realm of cosmology, a new theory of gravity has emerged, seeking to explain the mysteries of the universe that have long eluded scientists. This theory, known as TeVeS (Tensor-Vector-Scalar Gravity), was proposed by Jacob Bekenstein in 2004.

TeVeS stands apart from its predecessor, General Relativity, with a significant difference being in the predictions it makes. Unlike General Relativity, which relies heavily on the concept of dark matter to explain certain phenomena, TeVeS aims to explain these same phenomena without the need for dark matter.

This modified theory of gravity describes gravity through three fields: a tensor field, a vector field, and a scalar field. The scalar field in TeVeS plays a pivotal role, controlling the strength of gravity and modifying the theory to align with observational data.

One of the key ways TeVeS differs from General Relativity is in its explanation of the flat rotation curves of galaxies. By introducing a long-range repulsive force through the vector field, TeVeS eliminates the need for dark matter to account for this observed behaviour.

The scalar field in TeVeS also modifies the gravitational lensing of light around massive objects, providing an alternative explanation for the observed phenomena attributed to dark matter in General Relativity.

However, TeVeS is not without its challenges. It has not yet been able to fully explain all observed phenomena in the universe, such as the dynamics of galaxy clusters and the large-scale structure of the cosmos.

Researchers are working tirelessly to validate TeVeS, testing it through simulations of galaxy formation and evolution, and comparing predicted behaviour with observational data. Gravitational lensing studies are particularly useful in this regard, as they allow scientists to observe the bending of light around massive objects and compare the predictions with observations.

TeVeS is a complex theory compared to General Relativity, due to its additional fields and equations. Nevertheless, it aims to address some of the shortcomings of General Relativity, particularly in explaining the phenomena observed in the universe at both large and small scales.

The ongoing research and testing in the field of cosmology are helping to validate TeVeS and shed light on the nature of gravity at large scales. As scientists continue to explore this new theory, we may be one step closer to understanding the mysteries of the universe.

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