Theoretical explanations for the accelerating Universe
Eanna Flanagan (Cornell Univ.) - 31 Oct at 12:00 noon
I survey some of the microphysical models for the observed
acceleration of the Universe, including models involving dark energy
in the form of a scalar field, and models involving modifications
of general relativity at large lengthscales, and a continum of models
interpolating between these two possibilities. Several proposed
models can be ruled out using astrophysical or laboratory constraints,
while others suffer from severe naturalness problems. I also
discuss and argue against recent proposals that the observed acceleration
can be explained without recourse to new physics, using only the
nonlinearities of general relativity.
The seminar will be held in 544 Campbell Hall.
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