📝 SummarXiv

Abstract

We investigate the observational implications of Wald--Gauss--Bonnet (WGB) topological dark energy, a modified cosmological framework derived from the gravity-thermodynamics conjecture applied to the Universe's apparent horizon, with the Wald--Gauss--Bonnet entropy replacing the standard Bekenstein--Hawking one. Assuming a topological connection between the apparent horizon and interior black hole (BH) horizons, we derive modified Friedmann equations where the evolution of dark energy depends on BH formation and merger rates, which are approximated by the cosmic star formation rate. These equations introduce an additional, astrophysics--dependent contribution to the cosmological constant. We test two scenarios, one with a vanishing cosmological constant ($\Lambda = 0$) and another with a modified $\Lambda$ against late--Universe data (SNIa, BAO, Cosmic Chronometers) via a Bayesian analysis. Although the WGB framework is consistent with observations, information criteria statistically favor the standard $\Lambda$CDM model. An analysis of linear perturbations shows that the growth of cosmic structures is nearly indistinguishable from that of $\Lambda$CDM, with negligible dark energy clustering and minimal deviation in the effective Newton's constant. The standard thermal history is also preserved. In conclusion, WGB cosmology presents a phenomenologically rich alternative that connects dark energy to black hole astrophysics while remaining compatible with current cosmological data.