Speaker
Description
We often assume that the Topology of the Universe is trivial (i.e., R³ if the Universe is flat), but there are actually 18 possible topologies that admit a flat FLRW metric, such as a 3D torus. I will explain how these topologies can introduce potentially measurable effects on the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB), generally breaking statistical isotropy in a weak but predictable manner. This is especially relevant given the hints of anisotropy reported in some cosmological data (like the presence of the CMB anomalies or dipoles). I will outline what are the main observational predictions of Cosmic Topology and how we are looking for these effects on current data within the COMPACT Collaboration, as well as some of the main challenges ahead.
| Other topic / keywords: | Cosmic Topology |
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