# Implications of a positive cosmological constant for general relativity

## TL;DR

This paper discusses how a positive cosmological constant fundamentally alters the conceptual framework of general relativity, especially in the context of gravitational waves, despite its small magnitude.

## Contribution

It highlights the necessity of revising traditional general relativity frameworks to incorporate a positive cosmological constant, emphasizing implications for gravitational wave theory.

## Key findings

- Positive cosmological constant requires conceptual framework revision.
- Current gravitational wave models need adaptation for non-zero $\Lambda$.
- Summarizes progress in generalizing relativity to include $\Lambda$.

## Abstract

Most of the literature on general relativity over the last century assumes that the cosmological constant $\Lambda$ is zero. However, by now independent observations have led to a consensus that the dynamics of the universe is best described by Einstein's equations with a small but positive $\Lambda$. Interestingly, this requires a drastic revision of conceptual frameworks commonly used in general relativity, \emph{no matter how small $\Lambda$ is.} We first explain why, and then summarize the current status of generalizations of these frameworks to include a positive $\Lambda$, focusing on gravitational waves.