De Sitter Holography: Fluctuations, Anomalous Symmetry, and Wormholes

TL;DR

This paper explores how recent holographic and gravitational path integral developments challenge the classical symmetry of de Sitter space, suggesting it may be an ensemble average rather than a fixed geometry.

Contribution

It analyzes the implications of the GKS no-go theorem in light of recent advances, proposing that de Sitter symmetry is broken and that eternal de Sitter space is likely an ensemble average.

Findings

Classical symmetry in de Sitter space is broken by quantum effects.

Eternal de Sitter space may be an ensemble average rather than a fixed solution.

Non-perturbative phenomena like wormholes influence de Sitter holography.

Abstract

The Goheer-Kleban-Susskind no-go theorem says that the symmetry of de Sitter space is incompatible with finite entropy. The meaning and consequences of the theorem are discussed in the light of recent developments in holography and gravitational path integrals. The relation between the GKS theorem, Boltzmann fluctuations, wormholes, and exponentially suppressed non-perturbative phenomena suggests: the classical symmetry between different static patches is broken; and that eternal de Sitter space -- if it exists at all -- is an ensemble average.