Solutions to the quasi-flatness and quasi-lambda problems

Big Bang models of the Universe predict rapid domination by curvature, a paradox known as the flatness problem. Solutions to this problem usually leave the Universe exactly flat for every practical purpose. Explaining a nearly but not exactly flat current Universe is a new problem, which we label the quasi-flatness problem. We show how theories incorporating time-varying coupling constants could drive thr Universe to a late-time near-flat attractor. A similar problem may be posed with regards to the cosmological constant Lambda. the quasi-lambda problem, and we exhibit a solution to this problem as well. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.