The cosmological metric under scrutiny – Metrix

Recent advancements in astronomical observational programs have yielded unprecedented precision, yet they have not led to a convergence towards a singular cosmological model, notably the Lambda-Cold-Dark-Matter (?CDM) model. Instead of merely adjusting a handful of parameters or introducing new fields, these discrepancies may signal a need for a fundamental reassessment of the foundational assumptions within cosmology. In essence, there's a flaw in the Standard Model of the Universe, and it's imperative to identify and rectify it. This research proposal asserts that the geometric description of the universe requires scrutiny and potential revision.

While the standard cosmic metric (Friedmann–Robertson–Walker or FRW) has proven highly effective in explaining broad universe characteristics, its zero-order approximation falls short in light of new, finely detailed data. The FRW model assumes exact homogeneity and isotropy, characteristics not wholly reflected in the real universe, particularly on local scales. These deviations surpass the irregularities anticipated by standard linear perturbation theory, suggesting the presence of "geometric anomalies" potentially contributing to unexplained phenomena such as the Hubble tension or the cosmic dipole tension.

To address these challenges, we propose two primary avenues of exploration. The first involves a phenomenological approach, utilizing current and future data to construct a detailed, model-independent portrait of local spacetime without reliance on symmetry assumptions inherent in the FRW metric. The second avenue is more theoretical and speculative, aiming to understand potential implications of macroscopic quantum gravitational effects.

These complementary, interdisciplinary approaches depart from conventional paths but are grounded in promising preliminary findings. The overarching objective is to enhance our theoretical comprehension and modeling of cosmological metrics, thereby unveiling subtle relativistic, if not quantum-like, phenomena at play in the universe.