Cosmology Today

Daedalus ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 143 (4) ◽  
pp. 125-133
Author(s):  
David N. Spergel
Keyword(s):  
Dark Matter ◽  
Dark Energy ◽  
Gravitational Lensing ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Empty Space ◽  
Microwave Background ◽  
Astronomical Observations ◽  
Basic Parameters ◽  
Age Of The Universe ◽  
The Universe

We seem to live in a simple but strange universe. Our basic cosmological model fits a host of astronomical observations with only five basic parameters: the age of the universe, the density of atoms, the density of matter, the initial “lumpiness” of the universe, and a parameter that describes whether this lumpiness is more pronounced on smaller physical scales. Our observations of the cosmic microwave background fluctuations determine these parameters with uncertainties of only 1 to 2 percent. The same model also provides an excellent fit to the large-scale clustering of galaxies and gas, the properties of galaxy clusters, observations of gravitational lensing, and supernova-based measurements of the Hubble relation. This model implies that we live in a strange universe: atoms make up only 4 percent of the visible universe, dark matter makes up 24 percent, and dark energy – energy associated with empty space – makes up 72 percent.

scholarly journals Cosmology with weak lensing surveys

2005 ◽  
Vol 363 (1837) ◽  
pp. 2675-2691 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dipak Munshi ◽  
Patrick Valageas
Keyword(s):  
Dark Matter ◽  
Dark Energy ◽  
Gravitational Lensing ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
High Redshift ◽  
Cosmological Parameters ◽  
Power Spectra ◽  
Weak Lensing ◽  
Satellite Mission ◽  
The Universe

Weak gravitational lensing is responsible for the shearing and magnification of the images of high-redshift sources due to the presence of intervening mass. Since the lensing effects arise from deflections of the light rays due to fluctuations of the gravitational potential, they can be directly related to the underlying density field of the large-scale structures. Weak gravitational surveys are complementary to both galaxy surveys and cosmic microwave background observations as they probe unbiased nonlinear matter power spectra at medium redshift. Ongoing CMBR experiments such as WMAP and a future Planck satellite mission will measure the standard cosmological parameters with unprecedented accuracy. The focus of attention will then shift to understanding the nature of dark matter and vacuum energy: several recent studies suggest that lensing is the best method for constraining the dark energy equation of state. During the next 5 year period, ongoing and future weak lensing surveys such as the Joint Dark Energy Mission (JDEM; e.g. SNAP) or the Large-aperture Synoptic Survey Telescope will play a major role in advancing our understanding of the universe in this direction. In this review article, we describe various aspects of probing the matter power spectrum and the bispectrum and other related statistics with weak lensing surveys. This can be used to probe the background dynamics of the universe as well as the nature of dark matter and dark energy.

scholarly journals The Scale-Invariant Vacuum (SIV) Theory: A Possible Origin of Dark Matter and Dark Energy

Universe ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andre Maeder ◽  
Vesselin G. Gueorguiev
Keyword(s):  
Dark Matter ◽  
Dark Energy ◽  
Empty Space ◽  
Field Approximation ◽  
Weak Field ◽  
Density Fluctuations ◽  
Scale Invariant ◽  
Newtonian Approximation ◽  
Age Of The Universe ◽  
The Universe

The Scale Invariant Vacuum (SIV) theory rests on the basic hypothesis that the macroscopic empty space is scale invariant. This hypothesis is applied in the context of the Integrable Weyl Geometry, where it leads to considerable simplifications in the scale covariant cosmological equations. After an initial explosion and a phase of braking, the cosmological models show a continuous acceleration of the expansion. Several observational tests of the SIV cosmology are performed: on the relation between H 0 and the age of the Universe, on the m − z diagram for SNIa data and its extension to z = 7 with quasars and GRBs, and on the H ( z ) vs. z relation. All comparisons show a very good agreement between SIV predictions and observations. Predictions for the future observations of the redshift drifts are also given. In the weak field approximation, the equation of motion contains, in addition to the classical Newtonian term, an acceleration term (usually very small) depending on the velocity. The two-body problem is studied, showing a slow expansion of the classical conics. The new equation has been applied to clusters of galaxies, to rotating galaxies (some proximities with Modifies Newtonian Dynamics, MOND, are noticed), to the velocity dispersion vs. the age of the stars in the Milky Way, and to the growth of the density fluctuations in the Universe. We point out the similarity of the mechanical effects of the SIV hypothesis in cosmology and in the Newtonian approximation. In both cases, it results in an additional acceleration in the direction of motions. In cosmology, these effects are currently interpreted in terms of the dark energy hypothesis, while in the Newtonian approximation they are accounted for in terms of the dark matter (DM) hypothesis. These hypotheses appear no longer necessary in the SIV context.

scholarly journals Dark matter universe

2015 ◽  
Vol 112 (40) ◽  
pp. 12243-12245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neta A. Bahcall
Keyword(s):  
Dark Matter ◽  
Gravitational Lensing ◽  
Particle Physics ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Cold Dark Matter ◽  
Indirect Detection ◽  
Open Questions ◽  
Direct And Indirect Detection ◽  
Age Of The Universe ◽  
The Universe

Most of the mass in the universe is in the form of dark matter—a new type of nonbaryonic particle not yet detected in the laboratory or in other detection experiments. The evidence for the existence of dark matter through its gravitational impact is clear in astronomical observations—from the early observations of the large motions of galaxies in clusters and the motions of stars and gas in galaxies, to observations of the large-scale structure in the universe, gravitational lensing, and the cosmic microwave background. The extensive data consistently show the dominance of dark matter and quantify its amount and distribution, assuming general relativity is valid. The data inform us that the dark matter is nonbaryonic, is “cold” (i.e., moves nonrelativistically in the early universe), and interacts only weakly with matter other than by gravity. The current Lambda cold dark matter cosmology—a simple (but strange) flat cold dark matter model dominated by a cosmological constant Lambda, with only six basic parameters (including the density of matter and of baryons, the initial mass fluctuations amplitude and its scale dependence, and the age of the universe and of the first stars)—fits remarkably well all the accumulated data. However, what is the dark matter? This is one of the most fundamental open questions in cosmology and particle physics. Its existence requires an extension of our current understanding of particle physics or otherwise point to a modification of gravity on cosmological scales. The exploration and ultimate detection of dark matter are led by experiments for direct and indirect detection of this yet mysterious particle.

scholarly journals Observational constraints of a new unified dark fluid and the H0 tension

2019 ◽  
Vol 490 (2) ◽  
pp. 2071-2085 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weiqiang Yang ◽  
Supriya Pan ◽  
Andronikos Paliathanasis ◽  
Subir Ghosh ◽  
Yabo Wu
Keyword(s):  
Dark Matter ◽  
Dark Energy ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Cold Dark Matter ◽  
Early Time ◽  
Observational Constraints ◽  
Minimal Extension ◽  
Energy Evolution ◽  
The Universe ◽  
Different Sources

ABSTRACT Unified cosmological models have received a lot of attention in astrophysics community for explaining both the dark matter and dark energy evolution. The Chaplygin cosmologies, a well-known name in this group have been investigated matched with observations from different sources. Obviously, Chaplygin cosmologies have to obey restrictions in order to be consistent with the observational data. As a consequence, alternative unified models, differing from Chaplygin model, are of special interest. In the present work, we consider a specific example of such a unified cosmological model, that is quantified by only a single parameter μ, that can be considered as a minimal extension of the Λ-cold dark matter cosmology. We investigate its observational boundaries together with an analysis of the universe at large scale. Our study shows that at early time the model behaves like a dust, and as time evolves, it mimics a dark energy fluid depicting a clear transition from the early decelerating phase to the late cosmic accelerating phase. Finally, the model approaches the cosmological constant boundary in an asymptotic manner. We remark that for the present unified model, the estimations of H0 are slightly higher than its local estimation and thus alleviating the H0 tension.

scholarly journals Large-Scale Structure of the Universe in Unstable Dark Matter Models

1988 ◽  
Vol 130 ◽  
pp. 293-300
Author(s):  
A.G. Doroshkevich ◽  
A.A. Klypin ◽  
M.U. Khlopov
Keyword(s):  
Dark Matter ◽  
Galaxy Formation ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Numerical Models ◽  
Large Scale Structure ◽  
Scale Structure ◽  
Microwave Background ◽  
Physical Background ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Universe

Processes of the formation and the evolution of the large-scale structure are discussed in the framework of unstable dark matter models. Six numerical models are presented. The projected distribution of simulated galaxies on the sky, wedge diagrams, correlation functions and the mean linear scale of voids are presented. Physical background of the hypothesis of unstable particles and possible observational tests are discussed. The level of the microwave background fluctuations is estimated analytically. Special attention is given to late stage of supercluster evolution and galaxy formation.

scholarly journals Using large-scale structure data and a halo model to constrain generalized dark matter

2019 ◽  
Vol 490 (1) ◽  
pp. 813-831 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel B Thomas ◽  
Michael Kopp ◽  
Katarina Markovič
Keyword(s):  
Dark Matter ◽  
Gravitational Lensing ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Linear Structure ◽  
Microwave Background ◽  
Wavenumber Range ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Linear Modelling ◽  
Non Linear ◽  
Order Of Magnitude

ABSTRACT Constraints on the properties of the cosmological dark matter have previously been obtained in a model-independent fashion using the generalized dark matter (GDM) framework. Here we extend that work in several directions: We consider the inclusion of WiggleZ matter power spectrum data (MPS), and show that this improves the constraints on the two perturbative GDM parameters, $c^2_\mathrm{ s}$ and $c^2_\text{vis}$, by a factor of 3, for a conservative choice of wavenumber range. A less conservative choice can yield an improvement of up to an order of magnitude compared to previous constraints. In order to examine the robustness of this result we develop a GDM halo model (HM) to explore how non-linear structure formation could proceed in this framework, since currently GDM has only been defined perturbatively and only linear theory has been used when generating constraints. We then examine how the HM affects the constraints obtained from the MPS data. The less-conservative wavenumber range shows a significant difference between linear and non-linear modelling, with the latter favouring GDM parameters inconsistent with ΛCDM, underlining the importance of careful non-linear modelling when using this data. We also use this HM to establish the robustness of previously obtained constraints, particularly those that involve weak gravitational lensing of the cosmic microwave background. Additionally, we show how the inclusion of neutrino mass as a free parameter affects previous constraints on the GDM parameters.

scholarly journals DO RECENT SUPERNOVAE Ia OBSERVATIONS TEND TO RULE OUT ALL THE COSMOLOGIES?

2007 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. 1641-1651 ◽  
Author(s):  
RAM GOPAL VISHWAKARMA
Keyword(s):  
Dark Matter ◽  
Dark Energy ◽  
Gravitational Lensing ◽  
Weakly Interacting Massive Particles ◽  
Cosmological Models ◽  
Accelerated Expansion ◽  
Standard Candle ◽  
Expansion Of The Universe ◽  
The Universe ◽  
Rule Out

Dark energy and the accelerated expansion of the universe have been the direct predictions of the distant supernovae Ia observations which are also supported, indirectly, by the observations of the CMB anisotropies, gravitational lensing and the studies of galaxy clusters. Today these results are accommodated in what has become the concordance cosmology: a universe with flat spatial sections t = constant with about 70% of its energy in the form of Einstein's cosmological constant Λ and about 25% in the form of dark matter (made of perhaps weakly-interacting massive particles). Though the composition is weird, the theory has shown remarkable successes at many fronts. However, we find that as more and more supernovae Ia are observed, more accurately and towards higher redshift, the probability that the data are well-explained by the cosmological models decreases alarmingly, finally ruling out the concordance model at more than 95% confidence level. This raises doubts against the "standard candle"-hypothesis of the supernovae Ia and their use in constraining the cosmological models. We need a better understanding of the entire SN Ia phenomenon in order to extract cosmological consequences from them.

Observational and astrophysical cosmology: 1980–2018

2019 ◽  
pp. 375-423
Author(s):  
Malcolm S. Longair
Keyword(s):  
Dark Matter ◽  
Dark Energy ◽  
Cosmological Constant ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Cosmological Parameters ◽  
Semiconductor Detectors ◽  
Empirical Knowledge ◽  
Global Geometry ◽  
The Universe ◽  
Large Scale Structure Formation

Since 1980, our empirical knowledge of the universe has advanced tremendously and precision cosmology has become a reality. These developments have been largely technology-driven, the result of increased computer power, new generations of telescopes for all wavebands, new types of semiconductor detectors, such as CCDs, and major investments by many nations in superb observing facilities. The discipline also benefitted from the influx of experimental and theoretical physicists into the cosmological arena. The accuracy and reliability of the values of the cosmological parameters has improved dramatically, many of them now being known to about 1%. The ΛCDM model provides a remarkable fit to all the observational data, demonstrating that the cosmological constant is non-zero and that the global geometry of the universe is flat. The underlying physics of galaxy and large-scale structure formation has advanced dramatically and demonstrated the key roles played by dark matter and dark energy.

scholarly journals CONSTRAINING TEVES GRAVITY AS EFFECTIVE DARK MATTER AND DARK ENERGY

2007 ◽  
Vol 16 (12a) ◽  
pp. 2055-2063 ◽  
Author(s):  
HONGSHENG ZHAO
Keyword(s):  
Dark Matter ◽  
Dark Energy ◽  
Scalar Field ◽  
Gravitational Lensing ◽  
Cold Dark Matter ◽  
High Redshift ◽  
Elliptical Galaxies ◽  
Dual Roles ◽  
Acceleration Of The Universe ◽  
The Universe

The phenomena customarily described with the standard ΛCDM model are broadly reproduced by an extremely simple model in TeVeS, Bekenstein's1 modification of general relativity motivated by galaxy phenomenology. Our model can account for the acceleration of the Universe seen at SNeIa distances without a cosmological constant, and the accelerations seen in rotation curves of nearby spiral galaxies and gravitational lensing of high-redshift elliptical galaxies without cold dark matter. The model is consistent with BBN and the neutrino mass between 0.05 eV to 2 eV. The TeVeS scalar field is shown to play the effective dual roles of dark matter and dark energy, with the amplitudes of the effects controlled by a μ function of the scalar field, called the μ essence here. We also discuss outliers to the theory's predictions on multiimaged galaxy lenses and outliers on the subgalaxy scale.

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