Observational Dark Energy - SN1a wiggle room?

In summary, detailed observations of distant Type 1a supernovae have sparked interest in the concept of 'dark energy' among astrophysicists and cosmologists. However, systematic effects, such as mis-identification and selection biases, have been a challenge in accurately characterizing these supernovae and their implications for dark energy. Many papers have addressed these systematic effects, but some concerns still remain, such as the presence and accuracy of hypernovae and the reliability of Type 1a supernovae as standard candles.
  • #1
Nereid
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Detailed observations of distant Type 1a supernovae, by two independent teams, are what got astrophysicists and cosmologists salivating about 'dark energy' (and the many possible physical processes that could give rise to it).

Systematic effects (including mis-identification) are, of course, the bane of astronomy, and considerable effort has been devoted to identifying, and characterising, these wrt observational results leading to DE conclusions - accurate characterisations (a.k.a. 'how can you be sure it's a distant SN1a?'), selection biases of many kinds, (cosmological) evolutionary factors (WDs of long ago were 'different' than today's), dust (grey or otherwise) in the SN galaxy, etc, etc, etc.

What are your favourite papers, that slay one or more fearsome 'systematic' dragons? Which such dragon(s) do you consider still has at least some life (if only tenuous)?

What's that?

What are mine?

Well, 'where are the hypernovae, in these distant galaxies?' is one; another is 'how good a standard candle are hypernovae?'
 
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  • #2
A ruler anyone will do.
 

1. What is observational dark energy?

Observational dark energy refers to the mysterious force that is believed to be responsible for the accelerated expansion of the universe. It is called "dark" because its exact nature and composition are still unknown.

2. What is SN1a wiggle room?

SN1a wiggle room is a term used in astrophysics to describe the uncertainty in the measurement of the expansion rate of the universe, also known as the Hubble constant. This wiggle room arises from discrepancies in the observed brightness of type 1a supernovae, which are used to measure the expansion rate.

3. How is SN1a wiggle room related to observational dark energy?

Observational dark energy is closely linked to SN1a wiggle room because the measurement of the Hubble constant is crucial in determining the properties of dark energy. Any discrepancies or uncertainties in this measurement can affect our understanding of dark energy and its role in the expansion of the universe.

4. What are some possible explanations for SN1a wiggle room?

There are several proposed explanations for SN1a wiggle room, including systematic errors in the measurement of supernovae brightness, the presence of unknown sources of energy in the universe, or the possibility that the expansion rate of the universe is not constant but instead varying over time.

5. How can scientists address the issue of SN1a wiggle room?

Scientists are continually working to improve the accuracy of the measurement of the Hubble constant by using a variety of techniques and data from different sources. They are also conducting further research and experiments to better understand the properties and behavior of dark energy, which could help to clarify the issue of SN1a wiggle room.

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