Average observational quantities in the timescape cosmology

David L. Wiltshire
Phys. Rev. D 80, 123512 – Published 11 December 2009

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-Paczyński 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 ΛCDM model are found to be consistent with the expectations of the timescape cosmology.

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  • Received 7 September 2009

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.80.123512

©2009 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

David L. Wiltshire*

  • Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand,† and International Center for Relativistic Astrophysics Network (ICRANet), Piazzale le della Repubblica 10, Pescara 65121, Italy

  • *David.Wiltshire@canterbury.ac.nz
  • Permanent address.

See Also

Exact Solution to the Averaging Problem in Cosmology

David L. Wiltshire
Phys. Rev. Lett. 99, 251101 (2007)

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Vol. 80, Iss. 12 — 15 December 2009

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