Utilizing the James Webb Space Telescope, astronomers have refined the measurement of the Hubble constant by studying SN H0pe, a gravitationally lensed Type Ia supernova.

This approach, integrating gravitational lensing and time-delay observations, offers a more precise determination of the universe’s expansion rate, helping reconcile some differences between past measurements.

Measuring the Hubble constant, which defines the rate at which the universe is expanding, is a dynamic field of study for astronomers globally. These researchers analyze data from both terrestrial and orbital observatories. NASAs James Webb Space Telescope has already made significant contributions to this discussion. Earlier this year, astronomers employed Webb data that included Cepheid variables and Type Ia supernovae—both reliable cosmic distance markers—to validate previous measurements of the universe’s expansion rate made by NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope.

Watching for changes in the Mars ’ orbit over time could be a new way to detect passing dark matter.

Dark matter, potentially in the form of primordial black holes, could be revealing its presence through subtle influences on Mars’ orbit. These black holes, theorized remnants from the early universe, might be detectable every decade as they pass through the solar system, offering a new way to study the elusive dark matter.

Understanding dark matter: theories and experiments.

One of the great challenges of modern cosmology is to reveal the nature of dark matter. We know it exists (it constitutes more than 85% of the matter in the universe), but we have never seen it directly and still do not know what it is.

The right value for the expansion rate of the universe continues to elude astronomers.