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This study uses a model-independent Gaussian process method combining electromagnetic observations with gravitational-wave data from GWTC3 to measure the Hubble constant, which describes the universe's expansion rate. The results align closely with measurements from the SH0ES collaboration, showing less than 2-sigma tension, suggesting no significant statistical discrepancy. This approach demonstrates how gravitational-wave observations from colliding massive objects can serve as "standard sirens" to independently verify cosmological measurements.
Why it matters
The Hubble tension—the disagreement between different methods of measuring the universe's expansion rate—is a major unresolved problem in cosmology that may require new physics to explain. This research provides an independent verification method using gravitational waves, offering a potential pathway to resolve this fundamental discrepancy and improve our understanding of cosmic evolution.
arXiv:2602.04497v2 Announce Type: replace
Abstract: The Hubble tension is one of the most significant challenges in modern cosmology. Developing new approaches to estimate the Hubble constant is therefore crucial, and in this work, we employ a Gaussian process, a fully model-independent method that relies solely on observational data. To determine the Hubble constant, we use not only electromagnetic observations but also include gravitational-wave standard siren data from GWTC3. Our measurements of the Hubble constant are strongly consistent with the SH0ES result, with tensions less than $2sigma$, indicating no statistically significant discrepancy. This approach quantifies the impact of gravitational-wave data on the determination of the Hubble constant, examines its consistency with electromagnetic measurements, and explores its potential role in addressing the Hubble tension.