Average observational quantities in the timescape cosmology

Type of content
Journal Article
Thesis discipline
Degree name
Publisher
University of Canterbury. Physics and Astronomy
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Language
Date
2009
Authors
Wiltshire, D.L.
Abstract

We examine the properties of a recently proposed observationally viable alternative to homogeneous cosmology with smooth dark energy, the timescape cosmology. In the timescape model cosmic acceleration is realized as an apparent effect related to the calibration of clocks and rods of observers in bound systems relative to volume–average observers in an inhomogeneous geometry in ordinary general relativity. The model is based on an exact solution to a Buchert average of the Einstein equations with backreaction. The present paper examines a number of observational tests which will enable the timescape model to be distinguished from homogeneous cosmologies with a cosmological constant or other smooth dark energy, in current and future generations of dark energy experiments. Predictions are presented for: comoving distance measures; H(z); the equivalent of the dark energy equation of state, w(z); the Om(z) measure of Sahni, Shafieloo and Starobinsky; the Alcock–Paczy´nski test; the baryon acoustic oscillation measure, DV ; the inhomogeneity test of Clarkson, Bassett and Lu; and the time drift of cosmological redshifts. Where possible, the predictions are compared to recent independent studies of similar measures in homogeneous cosmologies with dark energy. Three separate tests with indications of results in possible tension with the CDM model are found to be consistent with the expectations of the timescape cosmology.

Description
Citation
Wiltshire, D.L. (2009) Average observational quantities in the timescape cosmology. Physical Review D, 80, pp. 123512 (23 pp).
Keywords
Ngā upoko tukutuku/Māori subject headings
ANZSRC fields of research
Fields of Research::51 - Physical sciences::5101 - Astronomical sciences::510103 - Cosmology and extragalactic astronomy
Rights