JWST Might Have Solved the Puzzle About the Universe’s Expansion Rate

Published

12 months ago

August 16, 2024

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Recent analysis of data from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has provided new measurements of the universe’s expansion rate, offering fresh insights into the long-standing debate known as the “Hubble tension.” For years, astronomers have struggled to reconcile two major methods of measuring the universe’s expansion, which have produced differing results. The new study, led by University of Chicago astronomer Wendy Freedman, measured the expansion rate using light from 10 nearby galaxies using three different methods. The findings suggest that the perceived conflict between these methods may not be as significant as once thought.

Understanding the Hubble Tension

The Hubble constant, which measures the rate of the universe’s expansion, is a key factor in understanding the universe’s history. Traditionally, two methods have been used to calculate it: one based on the cosmic microwave background radiation from the Big Bang, and the other on observing stars in nearby galaxies.

The former method has consistently produced a lower value, while the latter has yielded a higher rate, leading to speculation that something fundamental might be missing from our current cosmological models. This missing data was denoted using the term Hubble tension.

New Data from Webb Telescope

Using the Webb Telescope, Freedman and her team analyzed light from 10 nearby galaxies, applying three independent methods to measure the expansion rate. These methods involved Cepheid variable stars, the Tip of the Red Giant Branch, and carbon stars, all known for their predictable brightness. The results aligned closely with the cosmic microwave background method, suggesting the two previously conflicting measurements may not be as different as previously thought.

Impact on Cosmology

The findings from this study are significant because they suggest that the standard model of the universe’s evolution might still be accurate. While the debate over the Hubble tension continues, this new data provides a clearer picture and could guide future research. Freedman told Phys.org that ongoing observations with the Webb Telescope will be essential in resolving this issue and understanding its broader implications for cosmology.

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Perseid Meteor Shower 2025 to Dazzle Night Sky in August

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3 hours ago

August 13, 2025

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The Perseid meteor shower, one of the year’s most anticipated celestial events, will peak on the night of August 12–13, 2025. At its height, the shower can produce up to 100 meteors per hour, though the glare of an 86% waning gibbous moon will make spotting faint streaks difficult. Observers can still expect to see the brightest meteors and occasional fireballs, e…

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Raphael Domjan Soars to 8,224 Meters in SolarStratos

Published

19 hours ago

August 12, 2025

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Raphael Domjan Soars to 8,224 Meters in SolarStratos

Raphael Domjan, Swiss Aviator, came close to reaching the distance of a world record while flying a solar Stratos plane on Sunday. He departed from Sion Airport in Southwestern Switzerland, reaching an altitude of 8224 meters; it lasted for four hours. Domjan, tagged as an eco-explorer for his aviation focus, and is known for his eco-friendly ambitions. According to him, achieving a height of more than 10,000 meters is still a dream for him to come true soon, hopefully.

Raphael Domjan Sets New SolarStratos Altitude Record

As per TechExplore, In 2010, Andre Borschberg set the record for the highest flight in a solar plane for 9,235 meters as a Swiss pilot flying the Solar Impulse. Domjan won’t just break the record of Borschberg but also intends to fly to the same altitude just like commercial jets. The challenge is as important as Solar Stratos has a boundary on the altitude that it can reach and while relying on solar power only.

The Road to 10,000 Meters: A Green Aviation Dream

Prior to this attempt, Domjan completed a practice flight on July 31, reaching an altitude of 6,589 meters, which was a record for the SolarStratos. Last Friday, he attempted a flight, but the thermals which usually aid in altitude gain were absent. He decided to turn back to conserve battery power for future attempts.

Earlier this week, conditions proved more favorable, leading to a new record altitude for the SolarStratos. As an innovation, the plane has solar panels on its 24.8-meter wings, which power its batteries. During the flight’s solar charging cycle, the plane’s batteries will automatically recharge to full. Domjan and his team are preparing for the next record attempt to make sure it will be a guaranteed success.

Asked about the 10,000 meter target, Domjan believes it is a target which will be achieved only by relentless attempts. For him, it is about the achievement, and an achievement only possible through determination and resilience on the aviations of the future as a green revolution.

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Singapore Researchers Build Maple Seed Drone with Record 26-Minute Flight

Published

19 hours ago

August 12, 2025

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Singapore Researchers Build Maple Seed Drone with Record 26-Minute Flight

A flying robot inspired by the anatomy of a maple seed, samaras, was developed by researchers of the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). This new monocopter, besides flying much longer than other drones of its size, proves its superiority by running on a single rotor for 26 minutes. This feat is a marked achievement, proving the goals of SUTD’s associate professor Foong Shaohui, who built a 50 minute flying drone for Singapore’s 50 year anniversary. Now, the focus shifts to efficiency in smaller designs.

Nature-Inspired Design Brings Breakthrough in Small Drone Efficiency

According to Techxplore, Nature proves to be the ultimate guide for the SUTD team, as they had previously designed quadcopters with no external help. In the case of maple seeds that spin and gently fall to the ground creating lift, the team built a singular powered wing monocopter. This improvement, while simple, also greatly enhances control, efficiency, effectiveness, and reduces weight.

The collective mix of human creativity with AI enabled tools to further enhance the designs fuel origami’s makes the monocopter a success. AI enabled tools allowed the team to simulate various shapes, angles, and weight before creating the final prototype. As a result, the team had a drone that is 32 grams while retaining the ability to endure more than other drones.

From 10-Year Challenge to Record-Breaking Maple Seed Monocopter

This small monocopter could be extremely beneficial for low-cost, long-duration missions. An example mission could be to transport instruments for measuring meteorological conditions. Taking home the Sustainability Winner award at the 2024 Dyson Awards felt like a decisive victory for monocopter, underscoring its potential for environmental monitoring missions. Now refinement efforts will target a larger payload, longer endurance, and extended range, all without adding weight.

The achievement shows the ten years of steady progress, which started from the SG50 quadcopter and evolved into the SG60 monocopter. It is planned for rollout during the 60th birthday of Singapore festivities. It has been guided by advanced engineering, insights from nature and on-board AI from the team has demonstrated the practical versatility and impressive performance of compact flying robots.