Λ24: Projection and Topology by Constraint

Standard cosmology (ΛΛCDM) relies on undetected hypothetical entities (dark matter, dark energy) and fails to unify general relativity with quantum mechanics. This work proposes an alternative geometric framework: observable spacetime R3,1R3,1 emerges as the projection of a static discrete structure in 24 dimensions – the Leech lattice Λ24Λ24. Time is interpreted as the sweep angle of this projection. Cosmic expansion, quantum entanglement, and the arrow of time become causal shadows of a single hidden geometry, not fundamental phenomena. A formal chain is constructed: Λ24⊂Z[ω]12→U(6,6)→M⊃AdS5→∂AdS5≅R3,1,Λ24⊂Z[ω]12→U(6,6)→M⊃AdS5→∂AdS5≅R3,1, each step resting on established mathematics (Wilson 2009, Maldacena 1997). The Lorentzian signature (3,1)(3,1) is derived, not postulated. The symmetry breaking Co0→SuzCo0→Suz is interpreted as a primitive octonionic structure selection. The projective principle is experimentally illustrated by superluminal phase singularities (Bucher et al. Nature 2026). Three falsifiable predictions are made: A stellar density deficit δ≈−0.071δ≈−0.071 in the galaxy NGC 5614 (LSST DR11, 5σ5σ). Conway-angle harmonics in the dispersion spectrum of a fast radio burst from NGC 4141 (CHIME/FAST). Exclusive four-wave mixing signal peaks at Conway angles in a high-intensity laser vacuum experiment. An epistemic status table classifies each element as ESTABLISHED, HYPOTHESIS, or OPEN. The empirical factor α≈11α≈11 (linking Δ1=0.006410Δ1=0.006410 to the predicted deficit) remains open; a derivation from AdS5AdS5 geometry or M-theory is suggested. Bekenstein–Hawking entropy (S∝AS∝A) is reinterpreted as the number of Λ24Λ24 configurations compatible with a projection horizon – a geometric intuition awaiting formal derivation. The framework does not claim to solve quantum gravity. It offers a coherent, testable projective geometry that reinterprets dark matter, dark energy, and nonlocality as geometric artefacts. Falsification is explicit: a 5σ5σ deviation in any of the three tests would invalidate the Λ24Λ24 hypothesis.