The Key Project: Measuring the Hubble Constant

The podcast episode features an interview with Professor Wendy Friedman, an expert in cosmology, discussing the importance of measuring the Hubble constant and the methods used to determine the expansion rate of the universe. The Hubble Space Telescope played a crucial role in measuring the expansion rate, and Professor Friedman's work focused on improving the accuracy of these measurements. She explains the challenges involved in measuring the Hubble constant, such as systematics due to dust, and emphasizes the need for independent methods to ensure accurate results. Additionally, she discusses the recent Hubble tension controversy, where different measurements of the expansion rate are not in complete agreement, and the ongoing efforts to resolve this discrepancy. The conversation highlights the advancements in technology and observations in the field of cosmology and offers insights into the future of cosmological research.