Did JWST Just Solve the Biggest Crisis in Cosmology? Wendy Freedman [Ep. 461]

Discrepancies between different measurements of the Hubble constant have caused a major crisis in cosmology. Our guest today, the incredible Wendy Freedman, is at the forefront of efforts to resolve this tension. Known for her pioneering work on the Hubble Key Project and her important contributions to the measurement of the Hubble constant, Wendy is now using the James Webb Space Telescope to bring clarity to this debate. With decades of experience and a deep understanding of the complexity of cosmic measurements, there is no one better to shed light on this issue. So, can the James Webb Space Telescope help solve one of the biggest puzzles in cosmology? Tune in to this episode of Into the Impossible to find out!—

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Intro

01:18 The role of JWST in solving the Hubble tension

04:01 Comparing different distance indicators

20:45 Standard sirens

34:05 Accurate cosmology vs. precision cosmology

36:35 Vera C. Rubin Observatory and Giant Magellan Telescope

42:50 Wendy’s take on dark energy

45:32 Outro

Additional resources:

➡️ Learn more about Wendy Freedman: 💻 Uni website: https://astro.uchicago.edu/people/wendy-l-freedman.php

➡️ Follow me on your fav platforms: ✖️ Twitter: https://x.com/DrBrianKeating 🔔 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/DrBrianKeating?sub_confirmation=1 📝 Join my mailing list: https://briankeating.com/list ✍️ Check out my blog: https://briankeating.com/cosmic-musings/ 🎙️ Follow my podcast: https://briankeating.com/podcast ✨ Member's only playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=UUMOmXH_moPhfkqCk6S3b9RWuw

Into the Impossible with Brian Keating is a podcast dedicated to all those who want to explore the universe within and beyond the known.

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