Science Friday Is It Time For A New Model Of The Universe?
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Jul 16, 2025 Wendy Freedman, a professor of astronomy at the University of Chicago and former leader of the Hubble Key Project, joins Dan Scolnic, a cosmologist from Duke University focused on dark energy. They delve into the controversial Hubble constant, discussing how recent findings suggest the universe might be expanding faster than current models predict. Topics include dark matter mysteries, advancements in astronomical instruments, and the implications of potential new theories that could reshape our understanding of the cosmos.
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Standard Model Is Mysterious Yet Stable
- The standard model of the universe includes about one-third matter and two-thirds dark energy, but both dark matter and dark energy remain mysterious.
- Despite 25 years of stability, current data hints at possible fundamental gaps in this model that scientists are actively investigating.
Hubble Constant Disagreement Sparks Debate
- The Hubble constant measures the universe's expansion rate but values derived from local and distant observations disagree, a discrepancy known as the Hubble tension.
- This disagreement could indicate something fundamentally wrong with the standard cosmological model, raising exciting questions.
Dark Energy May Change Over Time
- Recent observations suggest dark energy may not be constant but could be weakening over time, challenging prior assumptions.
- This surprising behavior sparks excitement but lacks a definitive explanation yet.