
Gaussian processes provide a method for extracting cosmological information from observations without assuming a cosmological model. We carry out cosmography -- mapping the time evolution of the cosmic expansion -- in a model-independent manner using kinematic variables and a geometric probe of cosmology. Using the state of the art supernova distance data from the Union2.1 compilation, we constrain, without any assumptions about dark energy parametrization or matter density, the Hubble parameter and deceleration parameter as a function of redshift. Extraction of these relations is tested successfully against models with features on various coherence scales, subject to certain statistical cautions.
9 pages, 5 figures; v2 minor changes to match PRD version
Cosmology and Nongalactic Astrophysics (astro-ph.CO), FOS: Physical sciences, Astrophysics - Cosmology and Nongalactic Astrophysics
Cosmology and Nongalactic Astrophysics (astro-ph.CO), FOS: Physical sciences, Astrophysics - Cosmology and Nongalactic Astrophysics
| citations This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | 195 | |
| popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 1% | |
| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Top 10% | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 10% |
