On Newton-Cartan Cosmology

Abstract

After a brief summary of the Newton-Cartan theory in a form which emphasizes its close analogy to general relativity, we illustrate the theory with selective applications in cosmology. The geometrical formulation of this nonrelativistic theory of gravity, pioneered by Cartan and further developed by various workers, leads to a conceptually sound basis of Newtonian cosmology. In our discussion of homogeneous models and cosmological perturbation theory, we stress the close relationship with their general relativistic treatments. Spatially compact flat models also fit into this framework.