Can we predict the fate of the Universe?

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2001

Authors

Avelino, PP (Author) FCUP; de Carvalho, JPM (Author) FCUP; Martins, CJAP (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Physics Letters, Section B: Nuclear, Elementary Particle and High-Energy Physics

Vol. 501

Pages: 257-263

ISSN: 0370-2693

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 10 Citations

Scopus - 9 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Natural sciences > Physical sciences

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-000-W4P

DOI: 10.1016/s0370-2693(01)00151-4

Abstract (EN): We re-analyze the question of the use of cosmological observations to infer the present state and future evolution of our patch of the universe. In particular, we discuss under which conditions one might be able to infer that our patch will enter an inflationary stage, as a prima facie interpretation of the type Ia supernovae and CMB data would suggest. We then establish a 'physical' criterion for the existence of inflation, to be contrasted with the more 'mathematical' one recently proposed by Starkman et al,, Phys. Rev. Lett. 83 (1999) 1510. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 7