The Hubble constant, a key measure of the universe’s expansion rate, has been a puzzle for cosmologists for over a decade. Despite two main methods producing conflicting results, scientists are still searching for answers. The recent data from the James Webb space telescope failed to provide clarity on the issue.
Astronomer Catherine Heymans, Professor of Astrophysics at the University of Edinburgh and currently Astronomer Royal for Scotland, sheds light on the ongoing conundrum. “The Hubble tension has left us with a paradox,” she explains. The solution lies in determining whether there’s an error in measurement or if our current understanding of the universe is flawed.
Heymans emphasizes that resolving this mystery is crucial for furthering our knowledge of the cosmos. “Understanding the expansion rate of the universe provides vital insights into its composition, age, and evolution.”
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/science/audio/2024/dec/17/is-our-model-of-the-universe-wrong-podcast