Long-wavelength gravitational waves and cosmic acceleration

TL;DR

This paper proposes that strong long-wavelength gravitational waves within general relativity could account for cosmic acceleration, aligning with CMB observations and explaining low-multipole alignments, offering an alternative to dark energy models.

Contribution

It introduces a cosmological model where gravitational waves drive acceleration, challenging the need for exotic matter like quintessence.

Findings

Gravitational waves can cause cosmic acceleration compatible with CMB data.

A Bianchi IX cosmology model demonstrates alignment of CMB multipoles.

The model suggests a closed universe without strong constraints.

Abstract

Strong long-scale gravitational waves can explain cosmic acceleration within the context of general relativity without resorting to the assumption of exotic forms of matter such as quintessence. The existence of these gravitational waves in sufficient strength to cause observed acceleration can be compatible with the cosmic microwave background under reasonable physical circumstances. An instance of the Bianchi IX cosmology is demonstrated which also explains the alignment of low-order multipoles observed in the CMB. The model requires a closed cosmology but is otherwise not strongly constrained. Recommendations are made for further observations to verify and better constrain the model.