Topic: microwave background

Claims of an unexpectedly large quasar dipole have raised questions about large-scale cosmic isotropy. This talk tests whether survey selection and estimation effects can explain the discrepancy with the motion inferred from the microwave background. Higher angular multipoles in the quasar map can account for the difference, emphasizing the need to control systematic effects before interpreting the signal as a failure of standard cosmology.

Fraser Cain and Pamela L. Gay examine possible futures of the universe across vastly different timescales. Topics include the Milky Way and Andromeda, cosmic isolation as expansion continues, the fading microwave background, the end of star formation and the era of stellar remnants. They discuss uncertain processes such as proton decay, black-hole evaporation through Hawking radiation, entropy and heat death, alongside alternative outcomes if dark energy evolves. These are model-dependent projections. Pamela Gay is a senior scientist at the Planetary Science Institute. Published on 21 Septembe