Curve fitting the luminosity distance and redshift data

In summary, the conversation is about finding papers that directly curve-fit redshift as a function of luminosity distance without assuming a particular physical model. The function in question is denoted by ##z = f(d_l)## and the goal is to see what this function might look like. However, it is noted that using linear, exponential, or trigonometric functions do not provide a good fit. The conversation also mentions an online repository of data for analysis, with the suggestion of using supernova data from the Supernova Cosmology Project. This data goes out to a redshift of approximately 1.4.
  • #1
redtree
285
13
Can anyone recommend papers that directly curve-fit redshift as a function of luminosity distance for type Ia supernova and gamma ray bursts? I am looking for papers that do not curve-fit the data via an assumed model, even one as simple as Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker (FLRW) metric. I am really just curious to see what the following function ##f## might look like, where ##z## denotes redshift and ##d_l## denotes luminosity distance:

##z = f(d_l) ##
 
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  • #2
You need some assumptions for f to do curve fitting. The "best fit" is a function that attains the best estimate for z at the best estimate for dl for every single measurement exactly, but that won't give a realistic function.
 
  • #3
Sure, but the assumptions for ##f## can be about the relationship between the variables (linear? exponential? trigonometric? etc.) without assuming a particular physical model.

Has anyone published the "best fit" function for ##z## as a function of ##d_l## WITHOUT first assuming a particular physical model?
 
  • #4
Linear, exponential, trigonometric etc. all don't fit. Mathematically you can do it but the fit quality is just too bad to publish it.
 
  • #5
Is there an online repository of the data out to high ##z## that is downloadable for analysis?
 
  • #6
redtree said:
Is there an online repository of the data out to high ##z## that is downloadable for analysis?
Depends upon what you mean by high-z. Easiest to work with is probably supernova data. One relatively recent compilation is here, at the Supernova Cosmology Project:
http://supernova.lbl.gov/union/

They have published a summary table of the per-supernova distance/redshift relation:
http://supernova.lbl.gov/union/figures/SCPUnion2.1_mu_vs_z.txt

You'd have to read their papers to understand what the various columns of that table are, to apply them to your own fit. Looks like they go out to a redshift of about 1.4 or so.
 

1. What is curve fitting and how is it used in analyzing luminosity distance and redshift data?

Curve fitting is a statistical method used to find the best possible curve that fits a set of data points. In the context of luminosity distance and redshift data, it is used to determine the relationship between the two variables and make predictions about the behavior of the universe. This is important in understanding the expansion of the universe and the distribution of galaxies.

2. What are the main challenges in curve fitting luminosity distance and redshift data?

One of the main challenges in curve fitting luminosity distance and redshift data is dealing with measurement errors and uncertainties. Due to the vast distances involved, there can be significant errors in measuring the luminosity of distant objects and determining their redshift. Another challenge is choosing the appropriate model to fit the data, as there are multiple theories and models that can be used.

3. How do you determine the accuracy of a curve fit for luminosity distance and redshift data?

The accuracy of a curve fit is typically determined by calculating the chi-square value, which measures the difference between the observed data and the predicted values from the curve. A lower chi-square value indicates a better fit. Additionally, plotting the residuals (differences between observed and predicted values) can also help assess the accuracy of the curve fit.

4. Can curve fitting be used to make predictions about the future behavior of the universe?

Yes, curve fitting can be used to make predictions about the future behavior of the universe based on the relationship between luminosity distance and redshift. By fitting a curve to the existing data, scientists can extrapolate and make predictions about the expansion rate of the universe and the distribution of galaxies in the future.

5. How does curve fitting luminosity distance and redshift data contribute to our understanding of the universe?

Curve fitting luminosity distance and redshift data is crucial in helping us understand the expansion of the universe and the distribution of galaxies. By analyzing the data and fitting a curve, scientists can determine the rate at which the universe is expanding, the distribution of matter, and the potential fate of the universe. This information is essential in advancing our understanding of the universe and its evolution.

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