Experts creating huge simulation of universe

Experts at the University of Portsmouth are for the first time using the full version of Albert Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity.

The complex equations will be used to generate the most accurate computer simulation of the cosmos yet.

Einstein’s theory explains how gravity arises from the way massive objects, such as the Earth, curve space and time.

Because the mathematics are so mind-boggling, physicists until now have been forced to simplify the theory when applying it to the universe.

Now, research teams in the US and Europe have independently created two universe-modelling computer codes using the complete theory.

Dr Marco Bruni, one of the scientists from the Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation in Portsmouth, said: ‘This is a really exciting development that will help cosmologists create the most accurate possible model of the universe.

‘Over the next decade we expect a deluge of new data coming from next generation galaxy surveys, which use extremely powerful telescopes and satellites to obtain high-precision measurements of cosmological parameters.’