Large-Angle CMB Suppression and Polarization Predictions

Understand

The anomalous lack of large angle temperature correlations has been a surprising feature of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) since first observed by COBE-DMR and subsequently confirmed and strengthened by the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe.

• This anomaly may point to the need for modifications of the standard model of cosmology or may indicate that our Universe is a rare statistical fluctuation within that model.
• Further observations of the temperature auto-correlation function will not elucidate the issue; sufficiently high precision statistical observations already exist.
• Instead, alternative probes are required.