Counter images in closed elliptical Friedmann universes

Abstract

It is shown that the different connectivity implied by the elliptical version of a closed Friedmann model allows two images of a distant astronomical object to be seen, provided the deceleration parameter q0 of the Friedmann model exceeds unity. Of the two images the direct image is along the shortest-route light track. If the redshift of the direct image exceeds (1.5q0 - 1)/(q0 - 1)sq then a second counterimage should be visible at the diametrically antipodal position. The direct image has a maximum possible redshift, and it is suggested that the apparent cutoff in the redshifts of QSOs may be due to this effect. Other observable consequences of this result are discussed in relation to galaxies and QSOs.