New model for the Shape of the Universe?

In summary, based on readings by Jeff Weeks and others, the Poincare Dodecahedral Space (PDS) was believed to be the shape of the Universe due to WMAP data showing a missing certain larger frequencies and a given range for the curvature. However, with the range being altered in the 5-year WMAP data, the PDS is now less likely to be the shape of the Universe. The article "The Shape of Space after WMAP data" by Jean-Pierre Luminet suggests a small interval of values for the mass-energy density parameter that could still fit the WMAP data, with the best fit being obtained for W0 = 1.016. This falls within the previous range but is statistically
  • #1
BigRedJeffro
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It has been my understanding from various articles I've been reading by Jeff Weeks and others that there was a strong belief that the shape of the Universe was the Poincare Dodecahedral Space (PDS), based upon the WMAP data's missing certain larger frequencies and the given range for the curvature from the 3-year WMAP to be 1.02 +/- 0.02. That range went from 1.00 to 1.04 in the 3 year WMAP data to approximately 0.9934 to 1.0178 in the 5-year WMAP data (using the LAMBDA version). I read that the shape of the Universe being the shape of the PDS rested largely on Omega being close to 1.02, which was well within the previous range for the density/curvature of the universe. Now that the range has altered, it seems that the PDS is not as likely to be the shape of the Universe, at least it is outside of the 95% confidence interval. Has anyone heard of any other proposed 3D models that would replace the PDS?

I'm currently reading through Topological Lensing on Spherical Spaces by Gausmann, Luminet, Weeks and others which is a paper that classifies positively curved 3D spaces. You can find the paper at the link:
http://arxiv.org/PS_cache/gr-qc/pdf/0106/0106033v1.pdf

However the paper was written well before the most recent data from the WMAP was released and I doubt I will be able to use it to determine the new model, so if you can point me in a better direction with a different paper that would be appreciated as well.
 
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  • #2
The article "The Shape of Space after WMAP data" by Jean-Pierre Luminet states that:

"The associated power spectrum, namely the repartition of fluctuations as a function of their wavelengths corresponding to PDS, strongly depends on the value of the mass-energy density parameter. Luminet et al. (2003) computed the CMB multipoles for L = 2;3;4 and fitted the overall normalization factor to match the WMAP data at L = 4, and then examined their prediction for the quadrupole and the octopole as a function of W0. There is a small interval of values within which the spectral fit is excellent, and in agreement with the value of the total density parameter deduced from WMAP data (1:02§0:02). The best fit is obtained for W0 = 1.016 (Fig. 9)"

This is not outside of the 95% confidence Interval I stated in the original post, however it is more towards the extremity, leaving it statistically unlikely to pan out.
 

Related to New model for the Shape of the Universe?

1. What is the current accepted model for the shape of the universe?

The current accepted model for the shape of the universe is the Friedmann-Lemaître-Robertson-Walker (FLRW) model, which is based on the theory of general relativity.

2. What are the different shapes that the universe could have?

The universe could have three different shapes: flat, open, or closed. These shapes are determined by the overall curvature of the universe.

3. How do scientists determine the shape of the universe?

Scientists determine the shape of the universe by studying the cosmic microwave background radiation, the distribution of galaxies, and the expansion rate of the universe.

4. Can the shape of the universe change over time?

Yes, the shape of the universe can change over time. This is due to the ongoing expansion of the universe, which can cause the overall curvature to change.

5. What implications does the shape of the universe have on our understanding of the universe?

The shape of the universe can have significant implications on our understanding of the universe, as it can provide insights into the universe's overall size, age, and potential fate. It can also help us understand the distribution and evolution of galaxies within the universe.

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