From Dark Energy and Dark Matter to Dark Metric

TL;DR

This paper proposes a novel gravitational framework using a Dark Metric concept in a first-order formalism, aiming to replace the need for Dark Energy and Dark Matter in explaining cosmic phenomena.

Contribution

It introduces a new approach to gravitational theory with a Dark Metric, potentially eliminating the need for Dark Energy and Dark Matter.

Findings

Dark Metric could replace Dark Energy and Dark Matter

New first-order formalism simplifies gravitational equations

Potential to reconcile theory with cosmological observations

Abstract

It is nowadays clear that General Relativity cannot be the definitive theory of Gravitation due to several shortcomings that come out both from theoretical and experimental viewpoints. At large scales (astrophysical and cosmological) the attempts to match it with the latest observational data lead to invoke Dark Energy and Dark Matter as the bulk components of the cosmic fluid. Since no final evidence, at fundamental level, exists for such ingredients, it is clear that General Relativity presents shortcomings at infrared scales. On the other hand, the attempts to formulate more general theories than Einstein's one give rise to mathematical difficulties that need workarounds that, in turn, generate problems from the interpretative viewpoint. We present here a completely new approach to the mathematical objects in terms of which a theory of Gravitation may be written in a first-order (a' la Palatini) formalism, and introduce the concept of Dark Metric which could completely bypass the introduction of disturbing concepts as Dark Energy and Dark Matter.