Model-Independent Reconstruction of the Expansion History of the Universe from Type Ia Supernovae

TL;DR

This paper introduces a model-independent method to reconstruct the universe's expansion history using Type Ia supernova data, enabling direct testing of cosmic geometry and aiding in identifying systematic errors.

Contribution

The authors develop a novel approach that reconstructs the universe's expansion history without relying on specific cosmological models or assumptions about its energy content.

Findings

Successfully reconstructs expansion history from supernova data.

Provides a tool for testing cosmological models and identifying data systematics.

Applicable to future supernova cosmology planning.

Abstract

Based on the largest homogeneously reduced set of Type Ia supernova luminosity data currently available -- the Union2 sample -- we reconstruct the expansion history of the Universe in a model-independent approach. Our method tests the geometry of the Universe directly without reverting to any assumptions made on its energy content. This allows us to constrain Dark Energy models and non-standard cosmologies in a straightforward way. The applicability of the presented method is not restricted to testing cosmological models. It can be a valuable tool for pointing out systematic errors hidden in the supernova data and planning future Type Ia supernova cosmology campaigns.