Fractal cosmology in an open universe

Abstract

The clustering of galaxies is well characterized by fractal properties, with the presence of an eventual cross-over to homogeneity still a matter of considerable debate. In this letter: are discuss the cosmological implications of a fractal distribution of matter, with a possible cross-over to homogeneity at an undetermined scale R-homo Contrary to what is generally assumed, we show that, even when R-homo --> infinity, this possibility can be treated consistently within the framework of the expanding universe solutions of Friedmann. The fractal is a perturbation to an open cosmology in which the leading homogeneous component is the cosmic background radiation (CBR). This cosmology, inspired by the observed galaxy distributions, provides a simple explanation for the recent data which indicate the absence of deceleration in the expansion (q(0) approximate to 0). Correspondingly the "age problem" is also resolved. Further we show: that the model can be extended back from the curvature-dominated arbitrarily deep into the radiation-dominated era. and we discuss qualitatively the modifications to the physics of the anisotropy of the CBR, nucleosynthesis and structure formation