Cracks in the Standard Cosmological Model: Anomalies, Tensions, and Hints of New Physics

TL;DR

Recent high-precision cosmological data reveal significant inconsistencies within the standard $\\Lambda$CDM model, suggesting potential new physics or the need for revised assumptions, as detailed in a comprehensive review of current tensions and solutions.

Contribution

This paper critically reviews current cosmological tensions, analyzes dataset inconsistencies, and discusses potential early- and late-time solutions, emphasizing the importance of model assumptions and data compatibility.

Findings

Identification of key tensions involving Hubble constant and dark energy

Impact of recent DESI BAO results on model viability

Discussion of interacting dark-sector scenarios as potential solutions

Abstract

Cosmology has entered an era of unprecedented precision, yet increasing accuracy has revealed cracks in the standard $\Lambda$CDM paradigm. Although the model remains highly successful when confronted with individual datasets, joint analyses expose a network of tensions involving the Hubble constant, CMB lensing, curvature, neutrino masses, and the nature of dark energy. In this contribution to the 3rd General Meeting of the COST Action COSMIC WISPers (CA21106), within the context of Working Group~2, we critically assess these discrepancies, emphasizing the role of model assumptions, parameter degeneracies, and dataset consistency. We review proposed early- and late-time solutions, discuss how recent DESI BAO results alter the viability of late-time extensions, and explore interacting dark-sector scenarios. Our analysis highlights the need for caution in interpreting cosmological measurements and underscores the importance of internal consistency among cosmological probes before claiming percent-level accuracy or invoking new physics.