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 

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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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