Median statistics analysis of deuterium abundance measurements and spatial curvature constraints

Abstract

Zavarygin et al. compiled a list of 15 deuterium abundance measurements; two were discarded because the remaining 13 measurements are then consistent with Gaussianity. Those authors found that the weighted-mean baryon density (?bh2) determined from the 13 measurements is mildly discrepant (1.6?) with that determined from the Planck 2015 cosmic microwave background anisotropy data in a flat cosmogony. We find that a median statistic central estimate of ?bh2 from all 15 deuterium abundance measurements is a more accurate estimate; is very consistent with ?bh2 estimated from Planck 2015 data in a flat cosmogony, but is about 2? lower than that found in a closed cosmogonical model from the Planck 2015 data. 2018. The Astronomical Society of the Pacific. All rights reserved.