Calculating density from CMB data

[skippy1729]

Can anyone point me to some articles or book giving details of how the CMB data is processed to calculate the average density of the universe (or equivalently the average spatial curvature)?

Thanks, Skippy

 

[Chalnoth]

Can anyone point me to some articles or book giving details of how the CMB data is processed to calculate the average density of the universe (or equivalently the average spatial curvature)?

Thanks, Skippy

This is a pretty big topic.

The basic, basic outline is as follows:

1. From experiment, generate a power spectrum of the CMB with errors.
2. Compute the expected CMB power spectrum as a function of the parameters of a specific model.
3. Use the above function to determine which parameters fit the data.

Which part of this are you most interested in?

 

[Chronos]

CMB data tells us the matter content of the universe. If the matter content was less than we predict, so would be the CMB temperature fluctuations, and vice versa. The math is rather complex, but, has been thoroughly vetted.

 

[phyzguy]

As stated, a big topic. These papers might be a good place to start:

http://lambda.gsfc.nasa.gov/product/map/dr4/map_bibliography.cfm

 

[sardar]

I would be happy to provide some resources on how the average density of the universe is calculated from CMB data. The Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) is a remnant of the early universe, and its properties can provide valuable information about the composition and evolution of the universe.

To calculate the average density of the universe, scientists use a variety of data and techniques, including observations from CMB experiments such as the Planck satellite and ground-based telescopes like the Atacama Cosmology Telescope and the South Pole Telescope. These experiments measure the temperature and polarization of the CMB radiation, which can be used to infer the density of matter and energy in the universe.

One key aspect of this calculation is understanding the cosmic expansion rate, also known as the Hubble constant. This is the rate at which the universe is expanding, and it is essential for determining the overall curvature and density of the universe. Scientists also take into account the effects of dark matter and dark energy, which make up the majority of the universe's mass and energy.

A good starting point for learning more about how CMB data is used to calculate the average density of the universe is the book "The Cosmic Microwave Background" by Radek Stompor. This book provides a comprehensive overview of CMB observations and their implications for cosmology. Additionally, the Planck Collaboration has published numerous papers on their findings from analyzing CMB data, including several on the average density of the universe.

In summary, calculating the average density of the universe from CMB data involves a combination of observations, theoretical models, and sophisticated data analysis techniques. I hope these resources will help you in your exploration of this fascinating topic.