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Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) observations, when combined with Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) and Type Ia supernovae (SNe), have led to statistically significant dynamical dark energy (DDE) claims. In this letter we reconstruct the $\Lambda$CDM parameter $\Omega_m$ from the $w_0 w_a$CDM cosmologies advocated by the DESI collaboration. We identify i) a mild increasing $\Omega_m$ trend at high redshift and ii) a sharp departure from $\Lambda$CDM at low redshift. The latter, which is statistically significant, is driven by SNe that are $1.9 \sigma- 2.5 \sigma$ discrepant with DESI full-shape galaxy clustering in overlapping redshift ranges. We identify a low redshift subsample of the Dark Energy Survey (DES) SNe sample that is discrepant with DESI at $3.4 \sigma$ despite both observables probing the same effective redshift. SNe and BAO/full-shape modeling should not disagree on $\Omega_m$ at the same effective redshift. This ``$\Omega_m$ tension'' most likely points to unexplored systematics. In general, any \textit{bona fide} DDE signal should be confirmed independently across observables, so the DDE claims are premature., Comment: v1 4 pages, 5 figures; v2 added appendix with technical comments, beefed up references

We study null $p$-branes, $p$-branes with a Carrollian $p+1$-dimensional worldvolume embedded in a generic $D$-dimensional flat Minkowski target space. This theory has a generalized BMS$_{p+1}$ gauge symmetry. By fixing the light-cone gauge, the BMS symmetry is partly fixed, leaving $p$ ``momentum constraints'' alongside $p$-dimensional area-preserving diffeomorphisms. We quantize the theory in the light-cone gauge via canonical quantization and construct the physical Hilbert space by imposing the remaining constraints using sandwich conditions: the constraints must vanish when sandwiched between any two physical states. We show that solutions to the sandwich conditions are classified into $p+1$ distinct classes, which we completely specify. In addition, we discuss special and interesting case of membranes in four dimensions and examine the physical implications of the quantized null $p$-brane and its associated physical Hilbert space., Comment: 38 pages, 1 figure

In Adil et al. 2023, we reported an increasing trend in $S_8$ with effective redshift $z_{\textrm{eff}}$ based on $f \sigma_8(z)$ constraints over the redshift range $0 \lesssim z \lesssim 2$, and predicted that this trend would be observable in independent datasets. Recently, the studies by Artis et al. and the ACT+DESI collaboration appeared, presenting data that aligns with the expected trends. In this letter, we quantify the statistical significance of the increasing $S_8$ trends in recent studies by fitting a linear model to estimate the slope $\Delta\,S_8/\Delta\, z_{\textrm{eff}}$, and comparing the results to mock simulations. We find probabilities of $p = 0.0163$ and $p = 0.01893$, corresponding to approximately $2.1\sigma$ for each dataset. Using Fisher's method to combine the independent probabilities, we obtained $p=0.0027$ ($2.8 \sigma$). When we incorporate our earlier findings, the combined statistical significance reaches between $3\sigma$ and $3.7\sigma$. Finally, we discuss how ``scatter" in $\sigma_8$/$S_8$ constraints from recent DESI full-shape galaxy clustering fits this picture at low statistical significance. This letter continues a series of studies initiated in 2020 that explore redshift-dependent $\Lambda$CDM parameters as an indication of a breakdown in the standard cosmological model., Comment: A short comment on trends in recent papers and how they align with a previous claim; v2 comments on DESI full-shape galaxy clustering added

We revisit the canonical quantization of free bosonic closed string theory and observe that the physicality of states requires vanishing of the worldsheet Virasoro algebra generators sandwiched between any two physical states. This requirement yields four classes of physical states, depending on discrete worldsheet symmetries: parity and time reversal. The usual string states which are highest weight states of the Virasoro algebra, preserve both, while the other new three classes break one or both. We apply our formulation to an accelerated worldsheet with horizons, initiating the worldsheet formulation of a thermal string theory and strings probing horizon of black holes., Comment: 5+ \epsilon pages + References, two figures. We would like to dedicate this work to the memory of the great Joe Polchinski, especially for his excellent String Theory textbooks

We shed a new light on the longstanding problem of covariant charges in diffeomorphism invariant theories like General Relativity (GR) by noting the other important feature of the theory, the background independence. To this end, we develop covariant phase space formalism in which we allow for the boundaries of spacetime to have arbitrary fluctuations. Within this formalism we show non-covariance of charges appear in inevitable integration constants which also break background independence in the expression of charges. We then apply the same formalism to black hole thermodynamics. We generalize the seminal Iyer-Wald derivation the first law of bl1ack hole thermodynamics by relaxing the need for the assumptions at a bifurcation surface and asymptotic infinity, as well as addressing questions regarding the integrability of charges. We also present a first principles derivation of the Smarr relation within our framework., Comment: 5+3 pages, 3 figures, Wording and presentation improved, the version appearing in PRD

We reconsider formulating $D$ dimensional gauge theories, with the focus on the case of gravity theories, in spacetimes with boundaries. We extend covariant phase space formalism to the cases in which boundaries are allowed to fluctuate. We analyze the symplectic form, the freedoms (ambiguities), and its conservation for this case. We show that boundary fluctuations render all the surface charges integrable. We study the algebra of charges and its central extensions, charge conservation, and fluxes. We briefly comment on memory effects and questions regarding semiclassical aspects of black holes in the fluctuating boundary setup., Comment: 24 pages, 2 figures

Dark Energy Survey five-year supernovae data (DES 5YR SNe) in conjunction with Planck CMB and Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) BAO data has detected a strong dynamical dark energy deviation from the $\Lambda$CDM model. Here, we shift the focus of DES data to the pressureless matter sector in the $\Lambda$CDM model by studying the matter density parameter $\Omega_m$. Employing frequentist profile likelihoods, we demonstrate that $\Omega_m$ increases with effective redshift in the DES dataset at up to $2.5 \sigma$ level. At the highest redshifts, one encounters negative dark energy densities $\Omega_m > 1$. Our findings corroborate earlier observations in Pantheon and Pantheon+ datasets with an independent SNe dataset with a higher effective redshift. In an appendix, we confirm that curvature $\Omega_k$ decreases with effective redshift disfavouring a flat Universe in higher redshift DES SNe at $> 3 \sigma$. Our choice of $\Omega_k$ prior leads to an underestimation of the tension with a flat Universe., Comment: Redshift dependent cosmological parameters in DES 5YR SNe; v2 wording improved, reference added

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is reporting unexpectedly massive high redshift galaxies that appear challenging from the $\Lambda$CDM perspective. Interpreted as a problem of cosmological origin, this necessitates Planck underestimating either matter density $\Omega_m$ or physical matter density $\Omega_m h^2$ at higher redshifts. Through standard frequentist profile likelihoods, we identify corroborating quasar (QSO) and gamma-ray burst (GRB) data sets where $\Omega_m$ increases with effective redshift $z_{\textrm{eff}}$, with $\Omega_m$ remaining anomalously large at higher redshifts. While the variation of $\Omega_m$ with $z_{\textrm{eff}}$ is at odds with the $\Lambda$CDM model, demarcating frequentist confidence intervals through differences in $\chi^2$ in profile likelihoods, the prevailing technique in the literature, points to $3.9 \sigma$ and $7.9 \sigma$ tensions between GRBs and QSOs, respectively, and Planck-$\Lambda$CDM. We explain the approximations inherent in the existing profile likelihood literature, and highlight fresh methodology that generalises the prescription. We show that alternative methods, including Bayesian approaches, lead to similar tensions. Finally, in the large sample limit, we show that Feldman-Cousins prescription for frequentist confidence intervals in the presence of a boundary (prior) leads to confidence intervals that are bounded above by Wilks' theorem., Comment: v2 comments on frequentist confidence intervals added

We develop the framework that reveals the intrinsic conserved stress tensor and current associated with the null infinity of a three-dimensional ($3d$) asymptotically flat spacetime. These are, respectively, canonical conjugates of degenerate metric and Ehresmann connection of the boundary Carrollian geometry. Their conservation reproduces the Bondi-mass and angular momentum conservation equations if the asymptotic boundary is endowed with a torsional affine connection that we specify. Our analysis and results shed further light on the $3d$ flat holography; the stress tensor and current give rise to an asymptotically flat fluid/gravity correspondence. The requirement of a well-defined $3d$ action principle yields Schwarzian action at null infinity governing the dynamics induced by reparametrizations over the celestial circle, in accord with the codimension $2$ holography of $3d$ flat spacetimes., Comment: 10 pages

We demonstrate that a $\sim 2 \sigma$ discrepancy with the Planck-$\Lambda$CDM cosmology in DESI Luminous Red Galaxy (LRG) data at $z_{\textrm{eff}} = 0.51$ translates into an unexpectedly large $\Omega_m$ value, $\Omega_m = 0.668^{+0.180}_{-0.169}$. We independently confirm that this anomaly drives the preference for $w_0 > -1$ in DESI data confronted to the $w_0 w_a$CDM model. We show that redshift bins of DESI constraints allow $\Omega_m$ to wiggle at the $\sim 2 \sigma$ level with increasing effective redshift in the $\Lambda$CDM model. Given that LRG data at $z_{\textrm{eff}} = 0.51$ is at odds with Type Ia supernovae in overlapping redshifts, we expect that this anomaly will decrease in statistical significance with future DESI data releases leaving an increasing $\Omega_m$ trend with effective redshift at higher redshifts. We estimate the significance of the latter in DESI data at $\sim 1.8 \sigma$ and comment on how it dovetails with independent observations. It is imperative to understand what makes DESI LRG data at $z_{\textrm{eff}} = 0.51$ an outlier when it comes to $\Omega_m$ determinations., Comment: 5 pages, 3 figures; v2 comments added, references updated

We study 4 dimensional $(4d$) gravitational waves (GWs) with compact wavefronts, generalizing Robinson-Trautman (RT) solutions in Einstein gravity with an arbitrary cosmological constant. We construct the most general solution of the GWs in the presence of a causal, timelike, or null boundary when the usual tensor modes are turned off. Our solution space besides the shape and topology of the wavefront which is a generic compact, smooth, and orientable $2d$ surface $\Sigma$, is specified by a vector over $\Sigma$ satisfying the conformal Killing equation and two scalars that are arbitrary functions over the causal boundary, the boundary modes (soft hair). We work out the symplectic form over the solution space using covariant phase space formalism and analyze the boundary symmetries and charges. The algebra of surface charges is a Heisenberg algebra. Only the overall size of the compact wavefront and not the details of its shape appears in the boundary symplectic form and is canonical conjugate to the overall mass of the GW. Hence, the information about the shape of the wavefront can't be probed by the boundary observer. We construct a boundary energy-momentum tensor and a boundary current, whose conservation yields the RT equation for both asymptotically AdS and flat spacetimes. The latter provides a hydrodynamic description for our RT solutions., Comment: v2: references added, minor corrections in section 6.1

$\Lambda$CDM tensions are by definition model dependent; one sees anomalies through the prism of $\Lambda$CDM. Thus, progress towards tension resolution necessitates checking the consistency of the $\Lambda$CDM model to localise missing physics either in redshift or scale. Since the Universe is dynamical and redshift is a proxy for time, it is imperative to first perform consistency checks involving redshift, then consistency checks involving scale, as the next steps to settle the ``systematics versus new physics" debate and foster informed model building. We present a review of the hierarchy of assumptions underlying the $\Lambda$CDM cosmological model and comment on whether relaxing them can address the tensions. We focus on the lowest lying fruit of identifying missing physics through the identification of redshift dependent $\Lambda$CDM model fitting parameters. We highlight recent progress made on ${S_8:= \sigma_8 \sqrt{\Omega_{\rm m}/0.3}}$ tension and elucidate how similar progress can be made on $H_0$ tension. Our discussions indicate that $H_0$ tension, equivalently a redshift dependent $H_0$, and a redshift dependent $S_8$ imply a problem with background $\Lambda$CDM cosmology., Comment: 10 page commentary (a review with interpretation) on Lambda-CDM tensions; comments welcome on the physical picture and literature omissions; v2 references updated; v3 matches published version

We study pure $D$ dimensional Einstein gravity in spacetimes with a generic null boundary. We focus on the symplectic form of the solution phase space which comprises a $2D$ dimensional boundary part and a $2(D(D-3)/2+1)$ dimensional bulk part. The symplectic form is the sum of the bulk and boundary parts, obtained through integration over a codimension 1 surface (null boundary) and a codimension 2 spatial section of it, respectively. Notably, while the total symplectic form is a closed 2-form over the solution phase space, neither the boundary nor the bulk symplectic forms are closed due to the symplectic flux of the bulk modes passing through the boundary. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the $D(D-3)/2+1$ dimensional Lagrangian submanifold of the bulk part of the solution phase space has a Carrollian structure, with the metric on the $D(D-3)/2$ dimensional part being the Wheeler-DeWitt metric, and the Carrollian kernel vector corresponding to the outgoing Robinson-Trautman gravitational wave solution., Comment: 33 pages, 2 figures, references added

Hubble tension is a problem in one-dimensional (1D) posteriors, since local $H_0$ determinations are only sensitive to a single parameter. Projected 1D posteriors for $\Lambda$CDM cosmological parameters become more non-Gaussian with increasing effective redshift when the model is fitted to redshift-binned data in the late Universe. We explain mathematically why this non-Gaussianity arises and show using observational Hubble data (OHD) that Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) marginalisation leads to 1D posteriors that fail to track the $\chi^2$ minimum at $68\%$ confidence level in high redshift bins. To gain a second perspective, we resort to profile likelihoods as a complementary technique. Doing so, we observe that $z \gtrsim 1$ cosmic chronometer (CC) data currently prefers a non-evolving (constant) Hubble parameter over a Planck-$\Lambda$CDM cosmology at $\sim 2 \sigma$. Within the Hubble tension debate, it is imperative that subsamples of data sets with differing redshifts yield similar $H_0$ values. In addition, we confirm that MCMC degeneracies observed in 2D posteriors are not due to curves of constant $\chi^2$. Finally, on the assumption that the Planck-$\Lambda$CDM cosmological model is correct, using profile likelihoods we confirm a $>2 \sigma$ discrepancy with Planck-$\Lambda$CDM in a combination of CC and baryon acoustic oscillations (BAO) data beyond $ z \sim 1.5$. This confirms a discrepancy reported earlier with fresh methodology., Comment: 22 pages, 11 figures; v2 presentation improved, figures added; v3 title change, figure added, to appear in EPJC

We continue the study of dipole cosmology framework put forward in \cite{Krishnan:2022qbv}, a beyond FLRW setting that has a preferred direction in the metric which may be associated with a cosmological tilt, a cosmic dipole. In this setup the shear and the tilt can be positive or negative given the dipole direction. We thoroughly analyze evolution of the universe in this setting, particularly focusing on the behaviour near the Big Bang (BB). We first analyze a single fluid model with a generic constant equation of state $w$. While details of the behavior near the BB depends on $w$ and the other initial conditions, we find that when the shear is negative we have a shear dominated BB singularity, whereas for a positive shear we have a much milder singularity, the whimper singularity \cite{Ellis:1974ug}, at which the tilt blows up while curvature invariants remain finite. We then consider dipole $\Lambda$CDM model which besides the shear has two tilt parameters, one for radiation and one for the pressureless matter. For positive (negative) shear we again find whimper (curvature) singularity near the BB. Moreover, when the tilt parameters have opposite signs, the shear can change sign from negative to positive in the course of evolution of the Universe. We show that the relative tilt of the radiation and the matter generically remains sizable at late times., Comment: 35 pages, 15 figures, 2 tables

Dipole cosmology is the maximally Copernican generalization of the FLRW paradigm that can incorporate bulk flows in the cosmic fluid. In this paper, we first discuss how multiple fluid components with independent flows can be realized in this set up. This is the necessary step to promote ``tilted" Bianchi cosmologies to a viable framework for cosmological model building involving fluid mixtures (as in FLRW). We present a dipole $\Lambda$CDM model which has radiation and matter with independent flows, with (or without) a positive cosmological constant. A remarkable feature of models containing radiation (including dipole $\Lambda$CDM) is that the $relative$ flow between radiation and matter can increase at late times, which can contribute to eg., the CMB dipole. This can happen generically in the space of initial conditions. We discuss the significance of this observation for late time cosmic tensions., Comment: 35 pages, many figures; v2 references added

We study 3-dimensional gravity on a spacetime bounded by a generic 2-dimensional causal surface. We review the solution phase space specified by 4 generic functions over the causal boundary, construct the symplectic form over the solution space and the 4 boundary charges and their algebra. The boundary charges label boundary degrees of freedom. Three of these charges extend and generalize the Brown-York charges to the generic causal boundary, are canonical conjugates of boundary metric components and naturally give rise to a fluid description at the causal boundary. Moreover, we show that the boundary charges besides the causal boundary hydrodynamic description, also admit a thermodynamic description with a natural (geometric) causal boundary temperature and angular velocity. When the causal boundary is the asymptotic boundary of the 3d AdS or flat space, the hydrodynamic description respectively recovers an extension of the known conformal or conformal-Carrollian asymptotic hydrodynamics. When the causal boundary is a generic null surface, we recover the null surface thermodynamics of [1] which is an extension of the usual black hole thermodynamics description., Comment: 35 pages, 5 figures

Hubble constant $H_0$ and weighted amplitude of matter fluctuations $S_8$ determinations are biased to higher and lower values, respectively, in the late Universe with respect to early Universe values inferred by the Planck collaboration within flat $\Lambda$CDM cosmology. If these anomalies are physical, i.e. not due to systematics, they naively suggest that $H_0$ decreases and $S_8$ increases with effective redshift. Here, subjecting matter density today $\Omega_{m}$ to a prior, corresponding to a combination of Planck CMB and BAO data, we perform a consistency test of the Planck-$\Lambda$CDM cosmology and show that $S_8$ determinations from $f \sigma_8(z)$ constraints increase with effective redshift. Due to the redshift evolution, a $\sim 3 \sigma$ tension in the $S_8$ parameter with Planck at lower redshifts remarkably becomes consistent with Planck within $1 \sigma$ at high redshifts. This provides corroborating support for an $S_8$ discrepancy that is physical in origin. We further confirm that the flat $\Lambda$CDM model is preferred over a theoretically ad hoc model with a jump in $S_8$ at a given redshift. In the absence of the CMB+BAO $\Omega_m$ prior, we find that $> 3 \sigma$ tensions with Planck in low redshift data are ameliorated by shifts in the parameters in high redshift data. Results here and elsewhere suggest that the $\Lambda$CDM cosmological parameters are redshift dependent. Fitting parameters that evolve with redshift is a recognisable hallmark of model breakdown., Comment: 4 pages, 6 figures; v2 references updated, discussion on complementary weak and CMB lensing observations added; v3 added plots and discussion, accepted at MNRAS letters

It has been shown in \cite{Tong:2022gpg} that shallow water in the Euler description admits a dual gauge theory formulation. We show in the Lagrange description this gauge symmetry is a manifestation of the 2 dimensional area-preserving diffeomorphisms. We find surface charges associated with the gauge symmetry and their algebra, and study their physics in the shallow water system. In particular, we provide a reinterpretation of the Kelvin circulation theorem in terms of conserved charges. In the linear shallow water case, the charges form a u(1) current algebra with level proportional to the Coriolis parameter over the height of the fluid. We also study memory effect for the gauge theory description of the linearized shallow water and show Euler, Stokes and Darwin drifts can be understood as a memory effect and/or change of the surface charges in the gauge theory description., Comment: 28 pages, 2 figures, minor improvements, references added

Within the Friedmann-Lema\^itre-Robertson-Walker (FLRW) framework, the Hubble constant $H_0$ is an integration constant. Thus, consistency of the model demands observational constancy of $H_0$. We demonstrate redshift evolution of best fit $\Lambda$CDM parameters $(H_0, \Omega_{m})$ in Pantheon+ supernove (SNe). Redshift evolution of best fit cosmological parameters is a prerequisite to finding a statistically significant evolution as well as identifying alternative models that are competitive with $\Lambda$CDM in a Bayesian model comparison. To assess statistical significance, we employ three different methods: i) Bayesian model comparison, ii) mock simulations and iii) profile distributions. The first shows a marginal preference for the vanilla $\Lambda$CDM model over an ad hoc model with 3 additional parameters and an unphysical jump in cosmological parameters at $z=1$. From mock simulations, we estimate the statistical significance of redshift evolution of best fit parameters and negative dark energy density ($\Omega_m > 1$) to be in the $1-2 \sigma$ range, depending on the criteria employed. Importantly, in direct comparison to the same analysis with the earlier Pantheon sample we find that statistical significance of redshift evolution of best fit parameters has increased, as expected for a physical effect. Our profile distribution analysis demonstrates a shift in $(H_0, \Omega_m)$ in excess of $95\%$ confidence level for SNe with redshifts $z > 1$ and also shows that a degeneracy in MCMC posteriors is not equivalent to a curve of constant $\chi^2$. Our findings can be interpreted as a statistical fluctuation or unexplored systematics in Pantheon+ or $\Lambda$CDM model breakdown. The first two possibilities are disfavoured by similar trends in independent probes., Comment: 6 pages, 5 figures; v2 mock simulation and profile distribution analysis added, conclusions unchanged; v3 to appear in EPJC

We show that the Friedmann-Lema\^{i}tre-Robertson-Walker (FLRW) framework has an instability towards the growth of fluid flow anisotropies, even if the Universe is accelerating. This flow (tilt) instability in the matter sector is invisible to Cosmic No-Hair Theorem-like arguments, which typically only flag shear anisotropies in the metric. We illustrate our claims in the setting of ``dipole cosmology'', the maximally Copernican generalization of FLRW that can accommodate a flow. Simple models are sufficient to show that the cosmic flow need not track the shear, even in the presence of a positive cosmological constant. We also emphasize that the growth of the tilt hair is fairly generic if the total equation of state $w(t) \rightarrow -1$ at late times (as it does in standard cosmology), irrespective of the precise model of dark energy. The generality of our theoretical result puts various recent observational claims about late time anisotropies and cosmic dipoles in a new light., Comment: 5 pages, 4 figures

We construct observational Hubble $H(z)$ and angular diameter distance $D_{A}(z)$ mock data with baseline Planck $\Lambda$CDM input values, before fitting the $\Lambda$CDM model to study evolution of probability density functions (PDFs) of best fit cosmological parameters $(H_0, \Omega_m, \Omega_k)$ across redshift bins. We find that PDF peaks only agree with the input parameters in low redshift ($z \lesssim 1$) bins for $H(z)$ and $D_{A}(z)$ constraints, and in all redshift bins when $H(z)$ and $D_{A}(z)$ constraints are combined. When input parameters are not recovered, we observe that PDFs exhibit non-Gaussian tails towards larger $\Omega_m$ values and shifts to (less pronounced) peaks at smaller $\Omega_m$ values. This flattening of the PDF is expected as $H(z)$ and $D_{A}(z)$ observations only constrain combinations of cosmological parameters at higher redshifts, so uniform PDFs are expected. Our analysis leaves us with a choice to bin high redshift data in the knowledge that we may be unlikely to recover Planck values, or conduct full sample analysis that biases $\Lambda$CDM inferences to the lower redshift Universe., Comment: 6 pages, 9 figures; v2 typos corrected, to appear in Physics of the Dark Universe

We propose that 3d black holes are an ensemble of tensionless null string states. These microstates typically have non-zero winding. We evaluate their partition function in the limit of large excitation numbers and show that their combinatorics reproduces the Bekenstein-Hawking entropy and its semiclassical logarithmic corrections., Comment: 24pp; v2: considerably extended version with details and text added but otherwise same content, v3: converted to SciPost style

We introduce the $dipole$ $cosmological$ $principle$, the idea that the Universe is a maximally Copernican cosmology, compatible with a cosmic flow. It serves as the most symmetric paradigm that generalizes the FLRW ansatz, in light of the increasingly numerous (but still tentative) hints that have emerged in the last two decades for a non-kinematic component in the CMB dipole. Einstein equations in our "dipole cosmology" are still ordinary differential equations -- but instead of the two Friedmann equations, now we have four. The two new functions can be viewed as an anisotropic scale factor that breaks the isotropy group from $SO(3)$ to $U(1)$, and a "tilt" that captures the cosmic flow velocity. The result is an axially isotropic, tilted Bianchi V/VII$_h$ cosmology. We assess the possibility of model building within the dipole cosmology paradigm, and discuss the dynamics of expansion rate, anisotropic shear and tilt, in various examples. A key observation is that the cosmic flow (tilt) can grow even while the anisotropy (shear) dies down. Remarkably, this can happen even in an era of late time acceleration., Comment: 44 pages, Many Figures

To formulate gravity in spacetimes bounded by a null boundary, an arbitrary hypothetical null surface, boundary degrees of freedom (d.o.f) should be added to account for the d.o.f and dynamics in the spacetime regions excised behind the null boundary. In the D dimensional example, boundary d.o.f are labelled by D charges defined at D-2 dimensional spacelike slices at the null boundary. While boundary modes can have their own boundary dynamics, their interaction with the bulk modes is governed by flux-balance equations which may be interpreted as a diffusion equation describing "dissolution" of bulk gravitons into the boundary. From boundary viewpoint, boundary d.o.f obey local thermodynamical equations at the boundary. Our description suggests a new "semiclassical" quantization of the system in which boundary d.o.f are quantized while bulk is classical. This semiclassical treatment may be relevant to questions in black hole physics., Comment: 9 pages, 1 figure. Prepared in memory of Prof. T. Padmanabhan, to appear in the Topical Collection (TC) of General Relativity and Gravitation (GERG)

In gauge invariant theories, like Einstein-Maxwell theory, physical observables should be gauge invariant. In particular, mass, entropy, angular momentum, electric charge and their respective chemical potentials, temperature, horizon angular velocity and electric potential which appear in the laws of black hole thermodynamics should be gauge invariant. In the usual construction of the laws of black hole thermodynamics, gauge invariance of the intensive quantities is subtle; here we remedy this and provide a gauge invariant derivation and the proof of the zeroth and first laws of black hole thermodynamics., Comment: 13 pages, no figures, to match the published version

The Cosmological Principle (CP) -- the notion that the Universe is spatially isotropic and homogeneous on large scales -- underlies a century of progress in cosmology. It is conventionally formulated through the Friedmann-Lema\^itre-Robertson-Walker (FLRW) cosmologies as the spacetime metric, and culminates in the successful and highly predictive $\Lambda$-Cold-Dark-Matter ($\Lambda$CDM) model. Yet, tensions have emerged within the $\Lambda$CDM model, most notably a statistically significant discrepancy in the value of the Hubble constant, $H_0$. Since the notion of cosmic expansion determined by a single parameter is intimately tied to the CP, implications of the $H_0$ tension may extend beyond $\Lambda$CDM to the CP itself. This review surveys current observational hints for deviations from the expectations of the CP, highlighting synergies and disagreements that warrant further study. Setting aside the debate about individual large structures, potential deviations from the CP include variations of cosmological parameters on the sky, discrepancies in the cosmic dipoles, and mysterious alignments in quasar polarizations and galaxy spins. While it is possible that a host of observational systematics are impacting results, it is equally plausible that precision cosmology may have outgrown the FLRW paradigm, an extremely pragmatic but non-fundamental symmetry assumption., Comment: extended contents and references, 73 pages (excluding references), 30 figures, version accepted for publication in Class. Quant. Grav. "Focus issue on the Hubble constant tension"

Flat $\Lambda$CDM cosmology is specified by two constant fitting parameters at the background level in the late Universe, the Hubble constant $H_0$ and matter density (today) $\Omega_m$. Mathematically, $H_0$ and $\Omega_m$ are either integration constants arising from solving ordinary differential equations or are directly related to integration constants. Seen in this context, if fits of the $\Lambda$CDM model to cosmological probes at different redshifts lead to different $(H_0, \Omega_m)$ parameters, this is a mismatch between mathematics and observation. Here, in mock observational Hubble data (OHD) (geometric probes of expansion history) we demonstrate evolution in distributions of best fit parameters with effective redshift. As a result, considerably different $(H_0, \Omega_m)$ best fits from Planck-$\Lambda$CDM cannot be precluded in high redshift bins. We explore if OHD, Type Ia supernovae and standardisable quasar samples exhibit redshift evolution of best fit $\Lambda$CDM parameters. In all samples, we confirm a decreasing $H_0$ and increasing $\Omega_m$ trend with increasing bin redshift. Through comparison with mocks, we confirm that similar behaviour can arise randomly within the flat $\Lambda$CDM model with probabilities as low as $p = 0.0021$ ($3.1 \, \sigma$). We present complementary profile distribution analysis confirming the shifts in cosmological parameters in high redshift bins. In particular, we identify a redshift range where Planck $(H_0, \Omega_m)$ values are disfavoured at $99.6 \%$ ($2.9 \sigma$) confidence level in a combination of OHD and supernovae data., Comment: 5 pages, 10 figures; v2 added explanations and appendix; v3 profile likelihood analysis added, to appear in Physics of the Dark Universe

Quasars (QSOs) are extremely luminous active galatic nuclei currently observed up to redshift $z=7.642$. As such, they have the potential to be the next rung of the cosmic distance ladder beyond SNe Ia, if they can reliably be used as cosmological probes. The main issue in adopting QSOs as standard candles (similarly to Gamma-Ray Bursts) is the large intrinsic scatter in the relations between their observed properties. This could be overcome by finding correlations among their observables that are intrinsic to the physics of QSOs and not artifacts of selection biases and/or redshift evolution. The reliability of these correlations should be verified through well-established statistical tests. The correlation between the ultraviolet (UV) and X-ray fluxes developed by Risaliti \& Lusso is one of the most promising relations. We apply a statistical method to correct this relation for redshift evolution and selection biases. \textbf{Remarkably, we recover the the same parameters of the slope and the normalization as Risaliti \& Lusso. Our results establish the reliability of this relation, which is intrinsic to the QSO properties and not merely an effect of selection biases or redshift evolution. Hence,} the possibility to standardize QSOs as cosmological candles, thereby extending the Hubble diagram up to $z=7.54$., Comment: 11 pages, 5 figures, 1 Table. The paper is now accepted in ApJ

Emerging high redshift cosmological probes, in particular quasars (QSOs), show a preference for larger matter densities, $\Omega_{m} \approx 1$, within the flat $\Lambda$CDM framework. Here, using the Risaliti-Lusso relation for standardizable QSOs, we demonstrate that the QSOs recover the \textit{same} Planck-$\Lambda$CDM Universe as Type Ia supernovae (SN), $\Omega_m \approx 0.3$ at lower redshifts $ 0 < z \lesssim 0.7$, before transitioning to an Einstein-de Sitter Universe ($\Omega_m =1$) at higher redshifts $z \gtrsim 1$. We illustrate the same trend, namely increasing $\Omega_{m}$ and decreasing $H_0$ with redshift, in SN but poor statistics prevent a definitive statement. We explain physically why the trend is expected in the flat $\Lambda$CDM cosmology, illustrate the intrinsic bias and non-Gaussian tails with mock Pantheon data, and identify a similar trend in BAO below $z=1$. Our results highlight an intrinsic bias in the flat $\Lambda$CDM Universe, whereby $\Omega_m$ increases, $H_0$ decreases and $S_8$ increases with effective redshift, thus providing a new perspective on $\Lambda$CDM tensions; even in a Planck-$\Lambda$CDM Universe the current tensions might have been expected., Comment: 6 pages, 7 figures, comments welcome; v2 matches published version

In this paper we will list a few important goals that need to be addressed in the next decade, also taking into account the current discordances between the different cosmological probes, such as the disagreement in the value of the Hubble constant $H_0$, the $\sigma_8$--$S_8$ tension, and other less statistically significant anomalies. While these discordances can still be in part the result of systematic errors, their persistence after several years of accurate analysis strongly hints at cracks in the standard cosmological scenario and the necessity for new physics or generalisations beyond the standard model. In this paper, we focus on the $5.0\,\sigma$ tension between the {\it Planck} CMB estimate of the Hubble constant $H_0$ and the SH0ES collaboration measurements. After showing the $H_0$ evaluations made from different teams using different methods and geometric calibrations, we list a few interesting new physics models that could alleviate this tension and discuss how the next decade's experiments will be crucial. Moreover, we focus on the tension of the {\it Planck} CMB data with weak lensing measurements and redshift surveys, about the value of the matter energy density $\Omega_m$, and the amplitude or rate of the growth of structure ($\sigma_8,f\sigma_8$). We list a few interesting models proposed for alleviating this tension, and we discuss the importance of trying to fit a full array of data with a single model and not just one parameter at a time. Additionally, we present a wide range of other less discussed anomalies at a statistical significance level lower than the $H_0$--$S_8$ tensions which may also constitute hints towards new physics, and we discuss possible generic theoretical approaches that can collectively explain the non-standard nature of these signals.[Abridged], Comment: Contribution to Snowmass 2021. 224 pages, 27 figures. Accepted for publication in JHEAp

We study 2d and 3d gravity theories on spacetimes with causal (timelike or null) codimension one boundaries while allowing for variations in the position of the boundary. We construct the corresponding solution phase space and specify boundary degrees freedom by analysing boundary (surface) charges labelling them. We discuss Y and W freedoms and change of slicing in the solution space. For D dimensional case we find D+1 surface charges, which are generic functions over the causal boundary. We show that there exist solution space slicings in which the charges are integrable. For the 3d case there exists an integrable slicing where charge algebra takes the form of Heisenberg \oplus\ {\cal A}_3 where {\cal A}_3 is two copies of Virasoro at Brown-Henneaux central charge for AdS_3 gravity and BMS_3 for the 3d flat space gravity., Comment: 22 pages, 1 figure

Local $H_0$ determinations currently fall in a window between $H_0 \sim 70$ km/s/Mpc (TRGB) and $H_0 \sim 76$ km/s/Mpc (Tully-Fisher). In contrast, BAO data calibrated in an early $\Lambda$CDM universe are largely consistent with Planck-$\Lambda$CDM, $H_0 \sim 67.5$ km/s/Mpc. Employing a generic two parameter family of evolving equations of state (EoS) for dark energy (DE) $w_{\textrm{DE}}(z)$ and mock BAO data, we demonstrate that if i) $w_{\textrm{DE}}(z=0) < -1$ and ii) integrated DE density less than $\Lambda$CDM, then $H_0$ increases. EoS that violate these conditions at best lead to modest $H_0$ increases within $1 \sigma$. Tellingly, Quintessence and K-essence satisfy neither condition, whereas coupled Quintessence can only satisfy ii). Beyond these seminal DE Effective Field Theories (EFTs), we turn to explicit examples. Working model agnostically in an expansion in powers of redshift $z$, we show that Brans-Dicke/$f(R)$ and Kinetic Gravity Braiding models within the Horndeski class can lead to marginal and modest increases in $H_0$, respectively. We confirm that as far as increasing $H_0$ is concerned, no DE EFT model can outperform the phenomenological two parameter family of the DE models. Evidently, the late universe may no longer be large enough to accommodate $H_0$, BAO and DE described by EFT., Comment: 24 pages, 15 figures, comments/correspondence welcome; v2 references and comments added; v3 references added, to appear in JCAP

We establish that boundary degrees of freedom associated with a generic co-dimension one null surface in $D$ dimensional pure Einstein gravity naturally admit a thermodynamical description. We expect the $\textit{null surface thermodynamics}$ to universally follow as a result of the diffeomorphism invariance of the theory, not relying on other special features of the null surface or the gravity theory. Using standard surface charge analysis and covariant phase space method, we formulate laws of null surface thermodynamics which are local equations over an arbitrary null surface paralleling local versions the zeroth and first laws and the Gibbs-Duhem equation. This thermodynamical system is generally an open system and can be closed only when there is no flux of gravitons through the null surface. Our analysis extends the usual black hole thermodynamics to a universal feature of any area element on a generic null surface. We discuss the relevance of our study for the membrane paradigm and black hole microstates., Comment: 12 pages, published version

We construct the boundary phase space in $D$-dimensional Einstein gravity with a generic given co-dimension one null surface ${\cal N}$ as the boundary. The associated boundary symmetry algebra is a semi-direct sum of diffeomorphisms of $\cal N$ and Weyl rescalings. It is generated by $D$ towers of surface charges that are generic functions over $\cal N$. These surface charges can be rendered integrable for appropriate slicings of the phase space, provided there is no graviton flux through $\cal N$. In one particular slicing of this type, the charge algebra is the direct sum of the Heisenberg algebra and diffeomorphisms of the transverse space, ${\cal N}_v$ for any fixed value of the advanced time $v$. Finally, we introduce null surface expansion- and spin-memories, and discuss associated memory effects that encode the passage of gravitational waves through $\cal N$, imprinted in a change of the surface charges., Comment: 26 pages+appendices, references added, published version in JHEP

On the assumption that quasars (QSO) and gamma-ray bursts (GRB) represent \textit{standardisable candles}, we provide evidence that the Hubble constant $H_0$ adopts larger values in hemispheres aligned with the CMB dipole direction. If substantiated, this trend signals a departure from FLRW cosmology. In particular, QSOs show a definite trend, whereas our findings in GRBs are consistent with an isotropic Universe, but we show in a sample of GRBs calibrated with Type Ia supernovae (SN) that this conclusion may change as one focuses on GRBs more closely (mis)aligned with the CMB dipole direction. The statistical significance in QSOs alone is $\gtrsim 2 \sigma$ and when combined with similar trends in strong lensing, Type Ia SN and calibrated GRBs, this increases to $\sim 3 \sigma$. Our findings are consistent with reported discrepancies in the cosmic dipole and anisotropies in galaxy cluster scaling relations. The reported variations in $H_0$ across the sky suggest that Hubble tension may be a symptom of a deeper cosmological malaise., Comment: v1 align with the CMB dipole at sites.google.com/apctp.org/cosmoprinciple; v2 simulations and references added, presentation improved; v3 the anisotropic Universe marches on at PRD

A 10\% difference in the scale for the Hubble parameter constitutes a clear problem for cosmology. Here, considering angular distribution of Type Ia supernovae (SN) within the Pantheon compilation and working within flat $\Lambda$CDM cosmology, we observe a correlation between higher $H_0$ and the CMB dipole direction, confirming our previous results for strongly-lensed quasars \cite{Krishnan:2021dyb}. Concretely, we record a $\sim 1$ km/s/Mpc variation in $H_0$ at antipodal points on the sky within the Pantheon sample, which is evident in the Low $z$ subsample ($z \lesssim 0.075$) and gets enhanced by higher redshift SN. Our work raises the possibility that we may be at the precision required to probe anisotropic Hubble expansions, while providing a concrete prediction for future inferences of $H_0$., Comment: 5 pages, 5 figures, comments are most welcome; v2 appendix added on general trend; v3 presentation improved and streamlined; v4 references and appendix added, to appear in PRD

The tension between early and late Universe probes of the Hubble constant has motivated various new FLRW cosmologies. Here, we reanalyse the Hubble tension with a recent age of the Universe constraint. This allows us to restrict attention to matter and a dark energy sector that we treat without assuming a specific model. Assuming analyticity of the Hubble parameter $H(z)$, and a generic low redshift modification to flat $\Lambda$CDM, we find that low redshift data ($z \lesssim 2.5$) and well-motivated priors only permit a dark energy sector close to the cosmological constant $\Lambda$. This restriction rules out late Universe modifications within FLRW. We show that early Universe physics that alters the sound horizon can yield an upper limit of $H_0 \sim 71 \pm 1$ km/s/Mpc. Since various local determinations may be converging to $H_0 \sim 73$ km/s/Mpc, a breakdown of the FLRW framework is a plausible resolution. We outline how future data, in particular strongly lensed quasar data, could also provide further confirmations of such a resolution., Comment: v1 10 pages, comments welcome, especially on appendix D & Figure 4; v2, typos corrected, Figure 4 improved, observations strengthened; v3 references added, matches version published as invited contribution to CQG "Focus Issue on the Hubble Constant Tension"

We study surface charges on a generic null boundary in three dimensional topological massive gravity (TMG). We construct the solution phase space which involves four independent functions over the two dimensional null boundary. One of these functions corresponds to the massive chiral propagating graviton mode of TMG. The other three correspond to three surface charges of the theory, two of which can always be made integrable, while the last one can become integrable only in the absence of the chiral massive graviton flux through the null boundary. As the null boundary symmetry algebra we obtain Heisenberg $\oplus$ Virasoro algebra {with} a central charge proportional to the gravitational Chern-Simons term of TMG. We also discuss that the flux of the chiral massive gravitons appears as the (Bondi) news through the null surface., Comment: 42 pages

We highlight shortcomings of the dynamical dark energy (DDE) paradigm. For parametric models with equation of state (EOS), $w(z) = w_0 + w_a f(z)$ for a given function of redshift $f(z)$, we show that the errors in $w_a$ are sensitive to $f(z)$: if $f(z)$ increases quickly with redshift $z$, then errors in $w_a$ are smaller, and vice versa. As a result, parametric DDE models suffer from a degree of arbitrariness and focusing too much on one model runs the risk that DDE may be overlooked. In particular, we show the ubiquitous Chevallier-Polarski-Linder model is one of the least sensitive to DDE. We also comment on ``wiggles" in $w(z)$ uncovered in non-parametric reconstructions. Concretely, we isolate the most relevant Fourier modes in the wiggles, model them and fit them back to the original data to confirm the wiggles at $\lesssim2\sigma$. We delve into the assumptions going into the reconstruction and argue that the assumed correlations, which clearly influence the wiggles, place strong constraints on field theory models of DDE., Comment: 11 pages, comments welcome, in particular sightings in the literature of the wa errors varying across DDE models in line with the outlined trend; v2, plot & comments added, accepted to PRD

Observations restrict the parameter space of Holographic Dark Energy (HDE) so that a turning point in the Hubble parameter $H(z)$ is inevitable. Concretely, cosmic microwave background (CMB), baryon acoustic oscillations (BAO) and Type Ia supernovae (SNE) data put the turning point in the future, but removing SNE results in an observational turning point at positive redshift. From the perspective of theory, not only does the turning point violate the Null Energy Condition (NEC), but as we argue, it may be interpreted as an evolution of the Hubble constant $H_0$ with redshift, which is at odds with the very FLRW framework within which data has been analysed. Tellingly, neither of these are problems for the flat $\Lambda$CDM model, and a direct comparison of fits further disfavours HDE relative to flat $\Lambda$CDM., Comment: 12 pages, 3 figures; v2 typos corrected, references added; v3 wording improved to make the paper easier to digest; v4 published version

In [1] we highlighted the fact that the log polynomial expansion employed in Nature Astron. 3, no.3, 272-277 (2019) [2] is a poor approximation to flat $\Lambda$CDM, so using it to infer deviations from flat $\Lambda$CDM is not well-motivated. The "orthogonalized logarithmic polynomials" recently presented in arXiv:2101.08278 [3] are an attempt to respond to the earlier criticism [1]. Here we demonstrate that this new technique [3] - interesting though it may be - fails to address the fundamental problem raised in [1]. Unfortunately, the claim made in [2] may still be lost in the expansion., Comment: This timely comment has been absorbed into the earlier preprint arXiv:2009.04109, which is now published at PLB. It no longer serves an independent purpose

We observe that the errors on the Hubble constant $H_0$, a universal parameter in any FLRW cosmology, can be larger in specific cosmological models than Gaussian Processes (GP) data reconstruction. We comment on the prior mean function and trace the smaller GP errors to stronger correlations, which we show precludes all well studied dynamical dark energy models. Our analysis suggests that "cosmological model independence", especially in the statement of Hubble tension, has become a misnomer., Comment: v3: 9 pages, 3 figures, Drastically reduced in size, arguments and statements sharpened, the main conclusions and results unchanged

Hubble tension is routinely presented as a mismatch between the Hubble constant $H_0$ determined locally and a value inferred from the flat $\Lambda$CDM cosmology. In essence, the tension boils down to a disagreement between two numbers. Here, assuming the tension is cosmological in origin, we predict that within flat $\Lambda$CDM there should be other inferred values of $H_0$, and that a "running of $H_0$ with redshift" can be expected. These additional determinations of $H_0$ may be traced to a difference between the effective equation of state (EoS) of the Universe within the Friedmann-Lema\^itre-Robertson-Walker (FLRW) cosmology framework and the current standard model. We introduce a diagnostic that flags such a running of $H_0$., Comment: 6 pages, 5 plots, v2: references added, v3: matches published version

We carry out in full generality and without fixing specific boundary conditions, the symmetry and charge analysis near a generic null surface for two and three dimensional (2d and 3d) gravity theories. In 2d and 3d there are respectively two and three charges which are generic functions over the codimension one null surface. The integrability of charges and their algebra depend on the state-dependence of symmetry generators which is a priori not specified. We establish the existence of infinitely many choices that render the surface charges integrable. We show that there is a choice, the "fundamental basis", where the null boundary symmetry algebra is the Heisenberg+Diff(d-2) algebra. We expect this result to be true for d>3 when there is no Bondi news through the null surface., Comment: 35 pages, comments added, published version

Local determinations of the Hubble constant $H_0$ favour a higher value than Planck based on CMB and $\Lambda$CDM. Through a model-independent expansion, we show that low redshift ($z \lesssim 0.7$) data comprising baryon acoustic oscillations (BAO), cosmic chronometers and Type Ia supernovae has a preference for Quintessence models that lower $H_0$ relative to $\Lambda$CDM. In addition, we confirm that an exponential coupling to dark matter cannot alter this conclusion in the same redshift range. Our results leave open the possibility that a coupling in the matter-dominated epoch, potentially even in the dark ages, may yet save $H_0$ from sinking in the string theory Swampland., Comment: 4 pages; v2 comments, references added; v3 appendix added on CPL, matches published version