  In the standard cosmological paradigm cosmic acceleration is to only be a
very recent (viz. $z \leq 1$) phenomenon, with the universe being required to
be decelerating at all higher redshifts. We suggest that this particular
expectation of the standard model is to be viewed as a quite definitive test
not only of the model itself but also of the fine-tuning assumption on which
the expectation is based, with the expectation itself actually being readily
amenable to testing once the Hubble plot can be extended out to only $z=2$ or
so. Moreover, such a modest extension of the Hubble plot will also provide for
definitive testing of the non fine-tuned alternate conformal gravity theory, a
theory in which the universe is to accelerate both above and below $z=1$.

Astrophysics