The geometry of spacetime in the Universe on large scales is determined by the mean energy density of the matter in the Universe, ρ. The critical density of the Universe is denoted by ρ0 and can be used to define the parameter Ω0 = ρ/ρ0. Describe the geometry of space when: (i) Ω0 < 1; (ii) Ω0 = 1; (iii) Ω0 > 1. Explain how measurements of the angular sizes of the hot- and cold-spots in the CMB projected on the sky can inform us about the geometry of spacetime in our Universe. What do measurements of these angular sizes by the WMAP and PLANCK satellites tell us about the value of Ω0?

The geometry of spacetime in the Universe on large scales is determined by the mean energy density of the matter in the Universe, ρ. The critical density of the Universe is denoted by ρ0 and can be used to define the parameter Ω0 = ρ/ρ0. Describe the geometry of space when: (i) Ω0 < 1; (ii) Ω0 = 1; (iii) Ω0 > 1. Explain how measurements of the angular sizes of the hot- and cold-spots in the CMB projected on the sky can inform us about the geometry of spacetime in our Universe. What do measurements of these angular sizes by the WMAP and PLANCK satellites tell us about the value of Ω0?