Our Model of Cosmology Might Be Broken’: Universe Expanding Faster Than Physics Can Explain


Summary
Astronomers are grappling with a major cosmological puzzle known as the “Hubble tension,” where the observed expansion rates of the universe vary significantly depending on the measurement method.

Key findings include:

– Conflicting Results: Measurements from cosmic microwave background (CMB) data suggest an expansion rate of 67 km/s/Mpc, while Cepheid star measurements indicate 73 km/s/Mpc.
– New Study: Using the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI), researchers refined calculations to 76.5 km/s/Mpc, further widening the gap.
– Impact: These discrepancies challenge the 40-year-old standard model of cosmology, suggesting it may require significant revision.

The findings signal that our understanding of the universe’s expansion and underlying physics might need to be redefined, opening the door for new discoveries in cosmology.


Recent findings suggest the universe’s expansion rate is inconsistent with the standard model of cosmology, raising concerns among astronomers. Known as the “Hubble tension,” this discrepancy, first observed by the Hubble Space Telescope and later confirmed by the James Webb Space Telescope, reveals that the universe expands at different rates depending on where it is observed.

Key Highlights:

  • Hubble Constant Discrepancy: Two primary methods to calculate the universe’s expansion speed – cosmic microwave background (CMB) measurements and the Cepheid variable distance ladder – yield conflicting results (67 km/s/Mpc vs. 73 km/s/Mpc).
  • New Findings: A recent study using the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) refined previous data, yielding an even higher expansion rate of 76.5 km/s/Mpc, further challenging existing cosmological theories.
  • Potential Crisis: These results suggest fundamental gaps in the 40-year-old standard model of cosmology.

Astronomers continue to explore systematic errors and alternative models, but the findings indicate the need to rethink our understanding of the universe’s behavior and origins.


Disclaimer

This information is based on ongoing research and published studies. Further discoveries may refine or alter these findings. Consult scientific sources for detailed insights.


source : livesience.com

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