A search for cosmological anisotropy using the Lyman alpha forest from SDSS quasar spectra

Zavarygin, Evgeny O.; Webb, John K.

doi:10.1093/mnras/stz2416

Title: A search for cosmological anisotropy using the Lyman alpha forest from SDSS quasar spectra

Journal Article · 02 September 2019 · Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/mnras/stz2416 · OSTI ID:1657293

^[1]; Webb, John K. ^[1]

School of Physics, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia

ABSTRACT The cosmological principle, the combined assumptions of cosmological isotropy and homogeneity, underpins the standard model of big bang cosmology with which we interpret astronomical observations. A new test of isotropy over the redshift range 2 < z < 4 and across large angular scales on the sky is presented. We use the cosmological distribution of neutral hydrogen, as probed by the Ly α forest seen towards distant quasars. The Sloan Digital Sky Survey provides the largest data set of quasar spectra available to date. We use combined information from Data Releases 12 and 14 to select a sample of 142 661 quasars most suitable for this purpose. The scales covered by the data extend beyond post-inflation causality scales, thus probing initial conditions in the early Universe. We identify significant spatially correlated systematic effects that can emulate cosmological anisotropy. Once these systematics have been accounted for, the data are found to be consistent with isotropy, providing an important independent check on the standard model, consistent with results from cosmic microwave background data.

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Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE

OSTI ID:: 1657293

Journal Information:: Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, Journal Name: Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 489; ISSN 0035-8711

Publisher:: Oxford University PressCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United Kingdom

Language:: English

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