Article
Version 7
This version is not peer-reviewed
On the Interpretation of Cosmic Acceleration
Version 1
: Received: 7 September 2023 / Approved: 13 September 2023 / Online: 13 September 2023 (10:05:21 CEST)
Version 2 : Received: 18 September 2023 / Approved: 18 September 2023 / Online: 25 September 2023 (04:49:46 CEST)
Version 3 : Received: 6 January 2024 / Approved: 8 January 2024 / Online: 8 January 2024 (06:37:58 CET)
Version 4 : Received: 27 January 2024 / Approved: 29 January 2024 / Online: 29 January 2024 (04:48:12 CET)
Version 5 : Received: 11 April 2024 / Approved: 11 April 2024 / Online: 12 April 2024 (04:53:47 CEST)
Version 6 : Received: 28 June 2024 / Approved: 1 July 2024 / Online: 1 July 2024 (08:12:07 CEST)
Version 7 : Received: 16 August 2024 / Approved: 20 August 2024 / Online: 21 August 2024 (13:38:50 CEST)
Version 2 : Received: 18 September 2023 / Approved: 18 September 2023 / Online: 25 September 2023 (04:49:46 CEST)
Version 3 : Received: 6 January 2024 / Approved: 8 January 2024 / Online: 8 January 2024 (06:37:58 CET)
Version 4 : Received: 27 January 2024 / Approved: 29 January 2024 / Online: 29 January 2024 (04:48:12 CET)
Version 5 : Received: 11 April 2024 / Approved: 11 April 2024 / Online: 12 April 2024 (04:53:47 CEST)
Version 6 : Received: 28 June 2024 / Approved: 1 July 2024 / Online: 1 July 2024 (08:12:07 CEST)
Version 7 : Received: 16 August 2024 / Approved: 20 August 2024 / Online: 21 August 2024 (13:38:50 CEST)
How to cite: Gaztanaga, E. On the Interpretation of Cosmic Acceleration. Preprints 2023, 2023090873. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202309.0873.v7 Gaztanaga, E. On the Interpretation of Cosmic Acceleration. Preprints 2023, 2023090873. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202309.0873.v7
Abstract
In relativity, the newtonian concepts of velocity and acceleration are observer-dependent quantities that vary with the chosen frame of reference. It is well established that, in the comoving frame, cosmic expansion is currently accelerating; however, in the rest frame, this expansion is actually decelerating. In this paper, we explore the implications of this distinction. The traditional measure of cosmic acceleration, denoted by \( q \), is derived from the comoving frame and describes the acceleration of the scale factor \( a \) for a 3D space-like homogeneous sphere. We introduce a new parameter, \( q_E \), representing the acceleration experienced between observers within the light cone. By comparing \( q_E \) to the traditional \( q \), using observational data from Type Ia supernovae (SN) and the radial clustering of galaxies and quasars (BAO)—including the latest results from DESI2024—our analysis demonstrates that \( q_E \) aligns more closely with this data. The core argument of the paper is that $\Lambda$—regardless of its origin—creates an Event Horizon that divides the manifold into causally disconnected regions, analogous to conditions inside a black hole’s interior, thereby allowing for a rest frame perspective $q_E$ in which cosmic expansion appears to be decelerating and the horizon acts like a friction term. Such horizon suggests that the universe cannot maintain homogeneity outside. The observed cosmological constant \( \Lambda \) can then be interpreted not as a driver of new dark energy or a modification of gravity, but as a boundary term exerting an attractive force, akin to a rubber band, resisting further expansion and preventing event horizon crossings. This interpretation calls for a reconsideration of current cosmological models and the assumptions underlying them.
Keywords
cosmology; dark energy; general relativity; black holes
Subject
Physical Sciences, Astronomy and Astrophysics
Copyright: This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Comments (0)
We encourage comments and feedback from a broad range of readers. See criteria for comments and our Diversity statement.
Leave a public commentSend a private comment to the author(s)
* All users must log in before leaving a comment