Cosmologists collaborate to sharpen measurements of the Hubble constant
Phys.org
February 21, 2026
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An international team of cosmologists has made significant strides in improving measurements of the Hubble constant, a critical value used to determine how quickly the universe is expanding. By bringing together leading experts from around the world, they have developed a unified method to reduce uncertainties and achieve more precise calculations. This collaborative effort, published in *Astronomy & Astrophysics*, could help resolve longstanding discrepancies between different methods of measuring the Hubble constant, which has been a major puzzle for cosmologists.
The Hubble constant is a cornerstone of modern cosmology, helping scientists understand the universe's expansion rate, its age, and the influence of dark energy. Previous attempts to measure it have yielded conflicting results, with values derived from the Planck satellite and those calculated using supernovae and Cepheid variables differing by about 10%. This "Hubble tension" has created confusion in the field, as both sets of data are considered reliable but produce incompatible results.
To tackle this issue, the collaboration employed advanced statistical techniques to combine multiple datasets, including observations of Type Ia supernovae, Cepheid variables, and baryon acoustic oscillations. By integrating these diverse sources of information, they were able to create a more robust framework for calculating the Hubble constant. This approach not only reduces uncertainties but also provides a clearer path forward for addressing the tension between different measurement methods.
The researchers emphasize that their unified approach could help bridge gaps in understanding why the universe appears to be expanding faster than predicted by standard cosmological models. Such progress is crucial for unraveling mysteries like the nature of dark energy and the ultimate fate of the universe. By refining our tools for measuring cosmic expansion, scientists can gain deeper insights into the fundamental forces shaping the cosmos.
This breakthrough holds significant implications for future research in astrophysics
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Originally published on Phys.org on 2/21/2026