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Old 22-December-2008, 08:37 PM
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Jerry Jerry is offline
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Default New Reference on CMB: Is the Universe Isotropic?

http://arxiv.org/abs/0812.3795v1

Quote:
Originally Posted by Hansen et al
Our results indicate that the reported common asymmetric axis extending over a large range in scales is highly unlikely to be a statistical fluke. Foregrounds and systematic effects do not seem to be probable explanations. The CMB does seem to have an uneven power distribution on the sky over a large range of angular scales. An important task for further research is to find a physical explanation for this asymmetry which can predict possible effects on CMB polarization to be tested in future experiments.
Foreground, in this study, would be an alignment with the galactic plane. I would argue ANY evidence of Isotropy should be regarded as evidence that the CMB as we observe it may not be BB residue, or at the least is badly contaminated. Remember, the CMB is offered as evidence of the BB exactly because it is not isotropic.
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