Inconsistency between WMAP data and released map

TL;DR

This paper identifies a significant inconsistency between WMAP's raw data and the published CMB maps, suggesting potential issues in the map-making process that could impact cosmological research.

Contribution

The authors reveal a discrepancy in WMAP data processing, highlighting a possible flaw in the map-making routine that warrants independent verification.

Findings

Inconsistency between WMAP TOD and published maps

Potential flaw in WMAP map-making routine

Implications for cosmological data analysis

Abstract

A remarkable inconsistency between the calibrated differential time-ordered data (TOD) of the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) mission, which is the input for map-making, and the cosmic microwave background (CMB) temperature maps published by the WMAP team is revealed, indicating that there must exist a serious problem in the map making routine of the WMAP team. This inconsistency is easy to be confirmed without the use of WMAP map-making software. In view of the importance of this issue for cosmology study, the authors invite readers to check it by themselves.