February 14, 2025
Hubble measurements confirm that the universe is expanding 9% faster than expected, researchers claim
New measurements from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope confirm that the Universe is expanding about nine per cent faster than expected. Pictured: Our neighbouring galaxy as seen from a ground-based telescope and, inset, as seen by the Hubble Space Telescope
New measurements from NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope confirm that the Universe is expanding about nine per cent faster than expected. Pictured: Our neighbouring galaxy as seen from a ground-based telescope and, inset, as seen by the Hubble Space Telescope

The universe is expanding about nine per cent faster than expected, astronomers studying data from NASA‘s Hubble Space Telescope say.

Experts used a new technique to quickly study 70 special types of star in our nearest neighbouring galaxy that can be used to measure distances across space. 

Researchers used this to refine the calculations of the Hubble constant, which reflects how fast the cosmos is expanding as time passes.

But the new findings still put calculations of the constant at odds with estimations of cosmic expansion based on the universe’s behaviour shortly after the Big Bang.

Scientists working on the latest study say the finding reduces the chance that this disparity is an accident, down from 1 in 3,000 to only 1 in 100,000.

They also suggest that new physics may be needed to better understand the cosmos.

‘This mismatch has been growing and has now reached a point that is really impossible to dismiss as a fluke,’ said Adam Riess, a Professor of physics and astronomy at Johns Hopkins University. 

‘This is not what we expected,’ he added.

In this study, Professor Riess and his ‘supernovae, H0, for the equation of state’ (Shoes) team analysed light from 70 stars in our neighbouring galaxy, the Large Magellanic Cloud.

They used a new method to capture quick images of these stars. 

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(5) Clues to life on Mars have been found in the Chilean desert

(6) NASA releases stunning Hubble images and immersive video of Southern Crab Nebula

(7) Astronomers have spotted the universe’s first molecule

(8) NASA’s exoplanet-hunting spacecraft has discovered its first Earth-sized world in nearby system

(9) Cassini Found That Titan Has Lakes of Methane Resting on Giant Mesas

(10) Why Aren’t There More Habitable Planets? Blame Red Dwarfs