The Signature of the Negative Curvature of the Universe in CMB Maps

Abstract

The geodesics followed by cosmic microwave background (CMB) photons show different behaviours depending on the geometry of space. Namely, the effect of `mixing geodesics' predicts a distinct signature in CMB maps: threshold-independent elongated anisotropy spots in negatively curved geometries. We have found statistically significant sign for spot elongation in the COBE four year maps. This can be a direct indication for the negative curvature of the Universe.

Talk given at VIII Marcel Grossmann Meeting (Jerusalem, 1997); to appear in proceedings; Latex 4 pages