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Cosmic curvature and condensationIt is shown that the universe may consist of a patchwork of domains with different Riemann curvature constants k = 0, +/-1. Features of a phase transition in which flat space breaks up in a transition 2k0 - k(-) + k(+) with initial scale factors R(-) = R(+) are postulated and explored. It is shown that such a transition is energetically permitted, has the equivalent of a Curie temperature, and can lead in a natural way to the formation of voids and galaxies. It is predicted that, if the ambient universe on average is well fitted by a purely k(-) space, with only occasional domains of k(+) containing galaxies, a density parameter of (A(z sub c + 1)) super -1 should be expected, where z sub c represents the redshift of the earliest objects to have condensed, and A takes on values ranging from about 5 to 3. Present observations of quasars would suggest a density of about 0.03 or 0.05, respectively, but it could be lower if earlier condensation took place.
Document ID
19920061078
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Harwit, Martin
(National Air and Space Museum Washington, DC, United States)
Date Acquired
August 15, 2013
Publication Date
June 20, 1992
Publication Information
Publication: Astrophysical Journal, Part 1
Volume: 392
Issue: 2 Ju
ISSN: 0004-637X
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Accession Number
92A43702
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS5-30702
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-1261
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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