IMPLICATIONS OF COSMIC REPULSION FOR GRAVITATIONAL THEORY - ART. NO. 103511

We present a general, model independent analysis of a recently detecte d apparent cosmic repulsion, and discuss its potential implications fo r gravitational theories, both standard and non-standard. In particula r, we show that a negatively spatially curved universe acts like a div erging refractive medium to thus naturally cause galaxies to accelerat e away from each other. Additionally, we show that it is possible for a cosmic acceleration to only be temporary, with some accelerating uni verses actually being able to subsequently recontract. [S0556-2821(98) 00822-4].