Tensions and anomalies in a dark universe: the strange consequences of the standard cosmological model, and a search for more palatable alternatives

When: Friday, May 22, 2026, 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Where: G. O. Jones, Room 610, Mile End

Speaker: Asta Heinesen - Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen

Title:  Tensions and anomalies in a dark universe: the strange consequences of the standard cosmological model, and a search for more palatable alternatives

Cosmological models relate the astronomical data we collect to the fundamental properties of space, time and matter in the Universe as a whole. In contrast to some other areas of physics, however, such models are not unique; they require us to make assumptions and to conjecture the validity of untested principles. This means that care must be taken when using them, as incorrect models may lead to incorrect inferences. In this context, the standard model of cosmology is simple, with a very high level of symmetry and a perturbative framework for structure formation. It could be speculated that the present cosmological tensions, anomalies, and inferences of strange energy-momentum components are a result of this simplicity in modelling, and that more sophisticated models could potentially alleviate or resolve these problems. Building such models is, however, a highly challenging task. We present some observational tests and theoretical ideas that could help guide cosmologists in this work, with the eventual hope of creating cosmological models that are a little less weird.