Global Anisotropies of $\Omega_\Lambda$

Abstract

An analysis of the Cosmological Constant $\Omega_\Lambda$ fitted to subsamples of the Pantheon+ Type Ia SN sample spanning 2$\pi$ sterradians for a grid of 432 pole positions covering the whole sky reveals two large scale asymmetries. One of them is closely aligned with the Galactic North-South direction and the other points approximately towards RA$\sim 217.5^\circ$ Dec$\sim -26.4^\circ$, $\sim$50.9 degrees from the CMB dipole Apex. The signal to noise ratio (S/N) of the multiple $\Omega_\Lambda$ measurements in these directions is $3.2\lesssim $ S/N $\lesssim 8.4$. The first asymmetry is puzzling, and would indicate a systematic effect related with the distribution of Pantheon+ SNe on the sky and, probably, how the correction for reddening in the Galaxy is calculated. The second one, which entails a 2.8-$\sigma$ tension between $\Omega_\Lambda$ measure in opposite directions, bears strong implications on its interpretation as Dark Energy: It is consistent with the prediction for tilted observers located in a Friedmann-Robertson-Walker universe who could measure an acceleration or a deceleration with a dipolar asymmetry, irrespective of what the universe as a whole is doing. In this case, $\Omega_\Lambda$ would not be a physical entity, a real Dark Energy, but an apparent effect associated with the relativistic frame of reference transformation.