Scales Set by the Cosmological Constant

TL;DR

This paper explores how the cosmological constant (Lambda) influences astrophysical scales, orbital dynamics, and velocities of test particles over large distances, revealing bounds on velocities and angular momentum.

Contribution

It demonstrates that Lambda imposes specific bounds on test particle velocities and angular momentum in astrophysical contexts, extending the understanding of its role beyond cosmology.

Findings

Existence of velocity cut-offs for test particles over Mpc distances

Lambda enforces a maximum angular momentum for bound orbits

Identification of cosmological and astrophysical scales influenced by Lambda

Abstract

The cosmological constant sets certain scales important in cosmology. We show that Lambda in conjunction with other parameters like the Schwarzschild radius leads to scales relevant not only for cosmological but also for astrophysical applications. Of special interest is the extension of orbits and velocity of test particles traveling over Mpc distances. We will show that there exists a lower and an upper cut-off on the possible velocities of test particles. For a test body moving in a central gravitational field Lambda enforces a maximal value of the angular momentum if we insist on bound orbits of the test body which move at a distance larger than the Schwarzschild radius.