2D BAO vs 3D BAO: Hints for new physics?

Abstract: In the era of tensions, when precision cosmology is blooming, numerous new theoretical models are emerging. However, it's crucial to pause and question the extent to which the observational data we rely on are model-dependent. In this work, we study the comoving position of the acoustic peak, a cornerstone standard ruler in cosmology. We considered BAO observational datasets from two distinct teams and calculated the product $hr_d$ with the help of each BAO data set along with SN I-a data from the Pantheon Plus sample. Our conclusion at present is that 2D and 3D BAO datasets are compatible with each other. Considering, no systematics in BAO, interpreting $\Omega_{m0}-hr_d$ plane may require physics beyond $\Lambda$CDM not just while using observational BAO data but also while observing it.