The Age of the Universe and the Hubble Constant Debate - Understanding Modern Cosmology

Explore a fascinating 24-minute scientific discussion with renowned UChicago astronomer Wendy Freedman about one of astronomy's most contentious questions: the age and expansion rate of the universe. Delve into the complex methods used to measure the Hubble constant, including Freedman's groundbreaking stellar research and the discrepancies found between different measurement approaches. Learn how the latest observations using the James Webb Space Telescope might resolve the ongoing debate about the universe's expansion rate. Discover the profound implications of these measurements for the Standard Model of physics, dark matter, and the potential discovery of extraterrestrial life. Through detailed chapters covering the Hubble tension, historical contributions to cosmology, and modern advances, gain insights into how these astronomical measurements could revolutionize our understanding of fundamental physics and the cosmos.