The clustering of galaxies in the completed SDSS-III Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey: cosmological analysis of the DR12 galaxy sample

We present cosmological results from the final galaxy clustering data set of the Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey, part of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey III. Our combined galaxy sample comprises 1.2 million massive galaxies over an effective area of 9329 deg2 and volume of 18.7 Gpc3, divided into three partially overlapping redshift slices centred at effective redshifts 0.38, 0.51 and 0.61. We measure the angular diameter distance DM and Hubble parameter H from the baryon acoustic oscillation (BAO) method, in combinationwith a cosmic microwave background prior on the sound horizon scale, after applying reconstruction to reduce non-linear effects on the BAO feature. Using the anisotropic clustering of the pre-reconstruction density field, we measure the product DMH from the Alcock-Paczynski (AP) effect and the growth of structure, quantified by fσ8(z), from redshift-space distortions (RSD). We combine individual measurements presented in seven companion papers into a set of consensus values and likelihoods, obtaining constraints that are tighter and more robust than those from any one method; in particular, the AP measurement from sub-BAO scales sharpens constraints from post-reconstruction BAOs by breaking degeneracy between DM and H. Combined with Planck 2016 cosmic microwave background measurements, our distance scale measurements simultaneously imply curvature ΩK = 0.0003 ± 0.0026 and a dark energy equation-of-state parameter ω =-1.01 ± 0.06, in strong affirmation of the spatially flat cold dark matter (CDM) model with a cosmological constant (ΛCDM). Our RSD measurements of fσ8, at 6 per cent precision, are similarly consistent with this model. When combined with supernova Ia data, we find H0 = 67.3 ± 1.0 kms-1 Mpc-1 even for our most general dark energy model, in tension with some direct measurements. Adding extra relativistic species as a degree of freedom loosens the constraint only slightly, to H0 = 67.8 ± 1.2 kms-1 Mpc-1. Assuming flat ΛCDM, we find Ωm = 0.310 ± 0.005 and H0 = 67.6 ± 0.5 kms-1 Mpc-1, and we find a 95 per cent upper limit of 0.16 eV c-2 on the neutrino mass sum.La lista completa de autores que integran el documento puede consultarse en el archivo.Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y Geofísica

The clustering of galaxies in the completed SDSS-III Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey: cosmological analysis of the DR12 galaxy sample

We present cosmological results from the final galaxy clustering data set of the Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey, part of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey III. Our combined galaxy sample comprises 1.2 million massive galaxies over an effective area of 9329 deg2 and volume of 18.7 Gpc3, divided into three partially overlapping redshift slices centred at effective redshifts 0.38, 0.51 and 0.61. We measure the angular diameter distance DM and Hubble parameter H from the baryon acoustic oscillation (BAO) method, in combinationwith a cosmic microwave background prior on the sound horizon scale, after applying reconstruction to reduce non-linear effects on the BAO feature. Using the anisotropic clustering of the pre-reconstruction density field, we measure the product DMH from the Alcock-Paczynski (AP) effect and the growth of structure, quantified by fσ8(z), from redshift-space distortions (RSD). We combine individual measurements presented in seven companion papers into a set of consensus values and likelihoods, obtaining constraints that are tighter and more robust than those from any one method; in particular, the AP measurement from sub-BAO scales sharpens constraints from post-reconstruction BAOs by breaking degeneracy between DM and H. Combined with Planck 2016 cosmic microwave background measurements, our distance scale measurements simultaneously imply curvature ΩK = 0.0003 ± 0.0026 and a dark energy equation-of-state parameter ω =-1.01 ± 0.06, in strong affirmation of the spatially flat cold dark matter (CDM) model with a cosmological constant (ΛCDM). Our RSD measurements of fσ8, at 6 per cent precision, are similarly consistent with this model. When combined with supernova Ia data, we find H0 = 67.3 ± 1.0 kms-1 Mpc-1 even for our most general dark energy model, in tension with some direct measurements. Adding extra relativistic species as a degree of freedom loosens the constraint only slightly, to H0 = 67.8 ± 1.2 kms-1 Mpc-1. Assuming flat ΛCDM, we find Ωm = 0.310 ± 0.005 and H0 = 67.6 ± 0.5 kms-1 Mpc-1, and we find a 95 per cent upper limit of 0.16 eV c-2 on the neutrino mass sum.La lista completa de autores que integran el documento puede consultarse en el archivo.Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y Geofísica

nIFTy cosmology: Galaxy/halo mock catalogue comparison project on clustering statistics

We present a comparison of major methodologies of fast generating mock halo or galaxy catalogues. The comparison is done for two-point (power spectrum and two-point correlation function in real and redshift space), and the three-point clustering statistics (bispectrum and three-point correlation function). The reference catalogues are drawn from the BigMultiDark N-body simulation. Both friend-of-friends (including distinct haloes only) and spherical overdensity (including distinct haloes and subhalos) catalogues have been used with the typical number density of a large volume galaxy surveys. We demonstrate that a proper biasing model is essential for reproducing the power spectrum at quasi-linear and even smaller scales. With respect to various clustering statistics, a methodology based on perturbation theory and a realistic biasing model leads to very good agreement with N-body simulations. However, for the quadrupole of the correlation function or the power spectrum, only the method based on semi-N-body simulation could reach high accuracy (1 per cent level) at small scales, i.e. r -1 Mpc or k > 0.15 h Mpc-1. Full N-body solutions will remain indispensable to produce reference catalogues. Nevertheless, we have demonstrated that the more efficient approximate solvers can reach a few per cent accuracy in terms of clustering statistics at the scales interesting for the large-scale structure analysis. This makes them useful for massive production aimed at covariance studies, to scan large parameter spaces, and to estimate uncertainties in data analysis techniques, such as baryon acoustic oscillation reconstruction, redshift distortion measurements, etc.La lista completa de autores que integran el documento puede consultarse en el archivo.Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y Geofísica

nIFTy cosmology: Galaxy/halo mock catalogue comparison project on clustering statistics

We present a comparison of major methodologies of fast generating mock halo or galaxy catalogues. The comparison is done for two-point (power spectrum and two-point correlation function in real and redshift space), and the three-point clustering statistics (bispectrum and three-point correlation function). The reference catalogues are drawn from the BigMultiDark N-body simulation. Both friend-of-friends (including distinct haloes only) and spherical overdensity (including distinct haloes and subhalos) catalogues have been used with the typical number density of a large volume galaxy surveys. We demonstrate that a proper biasing model is essential for reproducing the power spectrum at quasi-linear and even smaller scales. With respect to various clustering statistics, a methodology based on perturbation theory and a realistic biasing model leads to very good agreement with N-body simulations. However, for the quadrupole of the correlation function or the power spectrum, only the method based on semi-N-body simulation could reach high accuracy (1 per cent level) at small scales, i.e. r -1 Mpc or k > 0.15 h Mpc-1. Full N-body solutions will remain indispensable to produce reference catalogues. Nevertheless, we have demonstrated that the more efficient approximate solvers can reach a few per cent accuracy in terms of clustering statistics at the scales interesting for the large-scale structure analysis. This makes them useful for massive production aimed at covariance studies, to scan large parameter spaces, and to estimate uncertainties in data analysis techniques, such as baryon acoustic oscillation reconstruction, redshift distortion measurements, etc.La lista completa de autores que integran el documento puede consultarse en el archivo.Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y Geofísica

nIFTy cosmology: Galaxy/halo mock catalogue comparison project on clustering statistics

We present a comparison of major methodologies of fast generating mock halo or galaxy catalogues. The comparison is done for two-point (power spectrum and two-point correlation function in real and redshift space), and the three-point clustering statistics (bispectrum and three-point correlation function). The reference catalogues are drawn from the BigMultiDark N-body simulation. Both friend-of-friends (including distinct haloes only) and spherical overdensity (including distinct haloes and subhalos) catalogues have been used with the typical number density of a large volume galaxy surveys. We demonstrate that a proper biasing model is essential for reproducing the power spectrum at quasi-linear and even smaller scales. With respect to various clustering statistics, a methodology based on perturbation theory and a realistic biasing model leads to very good agreement with N-body simulations. However, for the quadrupole of the correlation function or the power spectrum, only the method based on semi-N-body simulation could reach high accuracy (1 per cent level) at small scales, i.e. r -1 Mpc or k > 0.15 h Mpc-1. Full N-body solutions will remain indispensable to produce reference catalogues. Nevertheless, we have demonstrated that the more efficient approximate solvers can reach a few per cent accuracy in terms of clustering statistics at the scales interesting for the large-scale structure analysis. This makes them useful for massive production aimed at covariance studies, to scan large parameter spaces, and to estimate uncertainties in data analysis techniques, such as baryon acoustic oscillation reconstruction, redshift distortion measurements, etc.La lista completa de autores que integran el documento puede consultarse en el archivo.Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y Geofísica

Cosmological parameters and non-vacuum initial states

A class of spatially flat models with a cosmological constant and a primordial broken scale invariant (BSI) spectrum of adiabatic perturbations is confronted with the most up-to-date observational data of CMB and matter power spectrum. The theoretical model includes a parameter nb for the number of quanta in the non–vacuum initial state, and a privileged scale leading to the existence of a feature in the primordial power spectrum. This feature is located at comoving wavenumber kb and its profile is characterized by a step in k with steepness α, the full set {nb, kb, α} being taken as free parameters in our numerical study. We present here preliminary results of a detailed Markov Chain Monte Carlo analysis with CAMB and CosmoMC of the latest CMB and P(k) measurements, including the 3-year WMAP and the final 2dFGRS catalogue, where we derive joint constraints on eight out of the many relevant primary parameters –both cosmological and feature– of our BSI adiabatic model.Realizamos una comparacion detallada de modelos inflacionarios con estados iniciales de no–vacıo para las perturbaciones cosmologicas con las mas recientes observaciones de la radiacion cosmica del fondo de microondas y surveys de la estructura a gran escala del universo.Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y Geofísica

Time variation of the electron mass in the early universe and the Barrow-Magueijo model

We put limits on the time variation of the electron mass in the early universe using observational primordial abundances of D, 4He, and 7Li, recent data from the cosmic microwave background, and the 2dFGRS power spectrum. Furthermore, we use these constraints together with other astronomical and geophysical bounds from the late universe to test the Barrow-Magueijo model for the variation in me. From our analysis we obtain -0.615 4 < -0.045 (3 σ interval), in disagreement with the result obtained in the original paper.Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y GeofísicasInstituto de Astrofísica de La Plat

Time variation of the fine structure constant in the early universe and the Bekenstein model

Aims.We calculate the bounds on the variation in the fine structure constant at the time of primordial nucleosynthesis and at the time of neutral hydrogen formation. We used these bounds and other bounds from the late universe to test the Bekenstein model. Methods.We modified the Kawano code, CAMB, and CosmoMC to include the possible variation in the fine structure constant. We used observational primordial abundances of D, 4He, and 7Li, recent data from the cosmic microwave background, and the 2dFGRS power spectrum, to obtain bounds on the variation in α. We calculated a piecewise solution to the scalar field equation of the Bekenstein model in two different regimes: i) matter and radiation, ii) matter and cosmological constant. We match both solutions with the appropriate boundary conditions. We performed a statistical analysis, using the bounds obtained from the early universe and other bounds from the late universe to constrain the free parameters of the model. Results.Results are consistent with no variation in α for the early universe. Limits on α are inconsistent with the scale length of the theory being larger than the Planck scale.Conclusions.In order to fit all observational and experimental data, the assumption l>Lp implied in Bekenstein's model has to be relaxed.Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y GeofísicasInstituto de Astrofísica de La Plat

Early universe constraints on time variation of fundamental constants

We study the time variation of fundamental constants in the early Universe. Using data from primordial light nuclei abundances, cosmic microwave background, and the 2dFGRS power spectrum, we put constraints on the time variation of the fine structure constant {alpha} and the Higgs vacuum expectation value without assuming any theoretical framework. A variation in leads to a variation in the electron mass, among other effects. Along the same line, we study the variation of {alpha} and the electron mass m{sub e}. In a purely phenomenological fashion, we derive a relationship between both variations.Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y Geofísica

The formation and evolution of hydrogen-deficient post-AGB white dwarfs: The emerging chemical profile and the expectations for the PG 1159-DB-DQ evolutionary connection

We explore the formation and evolution of hydrogen-deficient post-AGB white dwarfs. To this end, we compute the complete evolution of an initially 2.7 M⊙ star from the zero-age main sequence through the thermally pulsing and mass-loss phases to the white dwarf stage. Particular attention is given to the chemical abundance changes during the whole evolution. A time-dependent scheme for the simultaneous treatment of abundance changes caused by nuclear reactions, diffusive overshooting, salt fingers and convection is considered. We employed the double-diffusive mixing-length theory of convection for fluids with composition gradients. The study can therefore be considered as a test of its performance in low-mass stars. Also, time-dependent element diffusion for multicomponent gases is taken into account during the white dwarf evolution. The evolutionary stages corresponding to the last helium thermal pulse on the early white-dwarf cooling branch and the following born-again episode are carefully explored. Relevant aspects for PG 1159 stars and DB white dwarf evolution are studied in the framework of these new evolutionary models that take into account the history of the white dwarf progenitor. The scope of the calculations is extended to the domain of the helium-rich, carbon-contaminated DQ white dwarfs with the aim of exploring the plausibility of the evolutionary connection PG 1159-DB-DQ. In this regard, the implications for the double-layered chemical structure in pulsating DB white dwarfs is investigated. We examine the consequences of mass-loss episodes during the PG 1159 stage for the chemical stratification of the outer layer of DB and DQ white dwarfs.Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y GeofísicasInstituto de Astrofísica de La Plat