A Critique of Supernova Data Analysis in Cosmology

Observational astronomy has shown significant growth over the last decade and has made important contributions to cosmology. A major paradigm shift in cosmology was brought about by observations of Type Ia supernovae. The notion that the universe is accelerating has led to several theoretical challenges. Unfortunately, although high quality supernovae data-sets are being produced, their statistical analysis leaves much to be desired. Instead of using the data to directly test the model, several studies seem to concentrate on assuming the model to be correct and limiting themselves to estimating model parameters and internal errors. As shown here, the important purpose of testing a cosmological theory is thereby vitiated.Comment: v2: Revised, comments and references added; Published version [vailable at http://www.raa-journal.org/raa/index.php/raa/article/view/539

On searches for gravitational waves from mini creation event by laser interferometric detectors

As an alternative view to the standard big bang cosmology the quasi-steady state cosmology(QSSC) argues that the universe was not created in a single great explosion; it neither had a beginning nor will it ever come to an end. The creation of new matter in the universe is a regular feature occurring through finite explosive events. Each creation event is called a mini-bang or, a mini creation event(MCE). Gravitational waves are expected to be generated due to any anisotropy present in this process of creation. Mini creation event ejecting matter in two oppositely directed jets is thus a source of gravitational waves which can in principle be detected by laser interferometric detectors. In the present work we consider the gravitational waveforms propagated by linear jets and then estimate the response of laser interferometric detectors like LIGO and LISA

Mysteries of the Geometrization of Gravitation

As we now know, there are indeed at least two major difficulties with General Relativity (GR). The first one is related with its incompatibility with quantum mechanics, in the absence of a widely accepted consistent theory that combines the two theories. The second problem is related with the requirement of the dark sectors - inflaton, dark matter and dark energy by the energy-stress tensor, which are needed to explain a variety of astronomical and cosmological observations. While, these dark sectors themselves do not have any non-gravitational or laboratory evidence, the dark energy poses, in addition, a serious confrontation between fundamental physics and cosmology. Guided by the theoretical and the observational evidences, we are led to a slight modification in the notion of the existence of the source of gravitation and its manifestation in GR, which is in striking agreement with not only the theory, but also the observations without requiring the dark sectors of the standard approach. Additionally, it provides natural explanations to some unexplained puzzles.Comment: Expanded version (added with new findings) of the essay (arXiv:1206.2795) awarded `Honorable Mention' of the year 2012 by the Gravity Research Foundation; v3: Published Versio

A Radical Departure from the ''steady State'' Concept in Cosmology

Radical departure from steady state theory in cosmolog

On the formation of elliptical galaxies

Formation of elliptical galaxie

Scaled Universe II

In an earlier paper we had pointed out that Quantum Mechanical type effects are seen at different scales in the macro universe also. In this paper we obtain a rationale for this, which lies in the picture of bound material systems, spanning a Compton wavelength type extent, separated by much larger and relatively much less dense distances.Comment: 4 pages, Te

Did silicon aid in the establishment of the first bacterium?

Silicic acid increased numbers of both aerobic and facultatively anaerobic bacteria in ultrapure water incubated under strict oligotrophic conditions; soil extracts acted as the bacterial inoculum. The results are discussed in relation to the possibility that silicic acid, produced by the hydrolysis of silicates on the early Earth, could have stimulated the growth of the first bacterium, thereby allowing it to become established in the then prevailing conditions (presumed to be oligotrophic)

"Because they matter": recognise diversity - globalise research

The policy implications of this approach are threefold. First, engagement by practitioners with scholars specialising in the regions is necessary to understand what other key players want. Second, a global approach does not mean idealisation of "the other". Hand in hand with such a study may sometimes come a recognition of the red lines, and an admission of irreconciliable differences for policy. Finally, grand polarised representations may not have helped policy-makers in the past. Detailed context-sensitive understanding, accompanied by an attention to how concepts travel and change across cultures, may generate some pleasant surprises on expanding negotiating space and the identification of like-minded allies. (author's abstract