Is the Universe Flat?

TL;DR

This paper proposes a thermodynamic model to predict the universe's geometry, suggesting it is slightly open (Lobachevskian), aligning with WMAP data indicating near-flatness, and explores connections with thermodynamics and cosmology.

Contribution

It introduces a parameter-free thermodynamic model linking FRW geometries with global equations of state and gravitational temperature to predict universe geometry.

Findings

Universe is predicted to be Lobachevskian (open) but very close to flat.

Model aligns with WMAP data indicating up to 1% deviation from flatness.

Discusses potential links with nonextensive and black hole thermodynamics.

Abstract

Geometry of the universe has always intrigued mathematicians and cosmologists. Recent results from the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Project (WMAP) indicate that the visible universe is incredibly flat. This apparent flatness could be due to the fact that only a small part of the universe is visible, thus indicating that the geometry of the universe is still an open and an interesting problem in cosmology. Assuming a profound connection between Friedmann, Robertson, Walker (FRW) geometries and thermodynamics, we construct a parameter free exploratory model that allows us to predict the geometry of the universe by thermodynamic arguments. The key parameters in this model are the concept of global equation of state and the concept of gravitational temperature. By comparing the equal time expansion of the Green function for the massless conformal scalar field in background FRW geometry with the thermal Green function in Minkowski space-time, we define the gravitational temperature. We also give the protocol for determining the global equation of state for a given local equation of state. Using a local equation of state that covers a wide range of physically acceptable cases, P={\alpha}{\rho},{\alpha}>0, and within the context of FRW thermodynamics, we predict that the geometry of the visible universe is Lobachevskian (open), albeit being very close to flat. This is consistent with the WMAP data, which indicates that the universe may deviate from flatness by as much as 1%. We also discuss the self-consistency of this suggestive model along with its possible connections with nonextensive thermodynamics and black hole thermodynamics.