Is dark energy an effect of averaging?

TL;DR

This paper explores whether the effects attributed to dark energy could be explained by averaging over cosmic structures, challenging the standard cosmological model.

Contribution

It proposes that the influence of cosmic structures on measurements may account for what is attributed to dark energy, offering an alternative perspective.

Findings

Averaging over cosmic structures affects the measurement of the Hubble constant.

Proper accounting of inhomogeneities could reduce the need for dark energy.

The standard model assumptions may overlook the impact of cosmic averaging.

Abstract

The present standard model of cosmology states that the known particles carry only a tiny fraction of total mass and energy of the Universe. Rather, unknown dark matter and dark energy are the dominant contributions to the cosmic energy budget. We review the logic that leads to the postulated dark energy and present an alternative point of view, in which the puzzle may be solved by properly taking into account the influence of cosmic structures on global observables. We illustrate the effect of averaging on the measurement of the Hubble constant.