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arXiv · 1908.09139

Curvature tension: evidence for a closed universe

Will Handley
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Abstract

The curvature parameter tension between Planck 2018, cosmic microwave background lensing, and baryon acoustic oscillation data is measured using the suspiciousness statistic to be 2.5 to 3$\sigma$. Conclusions regarding the spatial curvature of the universe which stem from the combination of these data should therefore be viewed with suspicion. Without CMB lensing or BAO, Planck 2018 has a moderate preference for closed universes, with Bayesian betting odds of over 50:1 against a flat universe, and over 2000:1 against an open universe.

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Will Handley. 2019-08-24. Curvature tension: evidence for a closed universe. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevd.103.l041301

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