# How to choose a solution from all possible solutions of general relativity

So there are so many solutions for general relativity - then how does one "choose" the solution that is right one? By checking with observation? (though I also know that it is currently unknown which one is the correct solution.)

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What do you mean by 'solutions' for general relativity? Do you mean metrics for how the spacetime is shaped? –  zhermes Feb 28 '13 at 14:48
The answer to the title question (v1) is By imposing appropriate initial (or boundary) conditions and fitting adjustable parameters of the theory with experimental data. These conditions and parameters depend on the details of the specific type of theory and problem that OP is considering. –  Qmechanic Feb 28 '13 at 18:58

Where multiple physically relevant solutions exist we select the appropriate one by comparing with experiment. For example we select the FLRW rather than the Gödel metric because experiment suggests the universe has no net rotation. Likewise the value of $\Lambda$ has to be fixed by experiment, as was done in 1998 by Perlmutter and Riese's groups.