Paper 4, Section I, D
Part II, 2009
(a) Consider the motion of three galaxies at positions in an isotropic and homogeneous universe. Assuming non-relativistic velocities , show that spatial homogeneity implies
that is, that the velocity field is linearly related to by
where the matrix coefficients are independent of . Further show that isotropy implies Hubble's law,
where the Hubble parameter is independent of . Presuming to be a function of time , show that Hubble's law can be integrated to obtain the solution
where is a constant (comoving) position and the scalefactor satisfies .
(b) Define the cosmological horizon . For models with where , show that the cosmological horizon is finite. Briefly explain the horizon problem.