“Nothing is what we thought” – The James Webb Telescope Confirms There Was an Error in the Way We Viewed the Universe

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”Nothing is What We Thought”: James Webb Telescope Reignites Debate on the Universe’s Expansion Rate

A recent Reddit thread in the r/technology subreddit, titled ““Nothing is what we thought” – The James Webb Telescope Confirms There Was an Error in the Way We Viewed the Universe,” exploded with discussion regarding a potentially groundbreaking discovery in cosmology. Sparked by an article (linked within the thread), the conversation revolves around the James Webb Space Telescope’s (JWST) latest findings concerning the expansion rate of the universe and the implications for our current understanding of the cosmos. This article aims to unpack the Reddit thread, preserving every detail, nuance, and opinion while structuring it for clarity and comprehensive understanding.

The Spark: A Headline and a Link

The thread kicked off with a user sharing a link to a news article and offering a concise summary:

I think this is a better source- but tldr the speed of the rate that the universe is expanding was different between the Hubble measuring it vs the JWST measuring it https://hub.jhu.edu/2024/12/09/webb-telescope-hubble-tension-universe-expansion/

This initial comment immediately highlights the core issue: a discrepancy in the measured expansion rate of the universe, known as the Hubble tension, and the role of the James Webb Telescope in confirming previous measurements made by the Hubble Space Telescope.

Understanding the “Hubble Tension”: A Cosmic Discrepancy

To grasp the significance of this news, it’s crucial to understand the Hubble tension. As explained in an excerpt from the linked article (quoted within the Reddit thread):

> What is the “Hubble tension”? Let’s start by explaining this effect that astronomers have been trying to explain for years at what speed our universe is expanding. This is called the “Hubble constant” and there are two ways to measure it. > The first is through the cosmic microwave background radiation, a theorical remnant of the Big Bang. > And the second is by measuring the distance of variable stars known as Cepheids and supernovae, which allow us to calculate how fast nearby galaxies are moving away. > But the main problem is that both methods give different results: one indicates that the expansion is 67 km/s/Mpc and the other suggests a higher value of 74 km/s/Mpc. Who is right?

In simpler terms:

• Hubble Constant: This is the unit used to describe the expansion rate of the universe. It essentially tells us how fast galaxies are moving away from each other as space expands. It’s typically expressed in kilometers per second per megaparsec (km/s/Mpc). A megaparsec is a unit of distance used in astronomy, equivalent to about 3.26 million light-years.
• Two Measurement Methods, Two Different Results:
  • Method 1: Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB): The CMB is the afterglow of the Big Bang, the earliest light in the universe. By studying the CMB, scientists can infer the expansion rate of the early universe and predict how it should be expanding today. This method suggests a Hubble Constant of around 67 km/s/Mpc.
  • Method 2: Cepheid Variables and Supernovae: These are “standard candles” in astronomy – objects with known brightness that allow astronomers to measure distances to galaxies. By observing how fast galaxies containing Cepheids and supernovae are moving away, a different expansion rate is calculated. This method points to a higher Hubble Constant of around 74 km/s/Mpc.
• The Tension: The fact that these two independent and well-established methods yield different results is the “Hubble tension.” It suggests a fundamental problem with our understanding of the universe.

JWST’s Role: Confirming Hubble and Deepening the Mystery

The James Webb Space Telescope, with its unprecedented ability to observe the universe in infrared light and see fainter, more distant objects with greater clarity than Hubble, was brought in to help resolve this tension. The expectation was that perhaps Hubble’s measurements of Cepheid variables and supernovae might have some systematic errors.

However, the JWST observations, as the article and Reddit thread discuss, have actually confirmed Hubble’s measurements. This is the crucial point of the news and the Reddit discussion. The JWST, considered a more advanced and precise instrument, is not correcting Hubble, but rather reinforcing its findings.

As the Chat GPT summary in the thread succinctly puts it:

What Did the Webb Telescope Find? The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) looked at galaxies and stars more clearly than ever before. It checked the same measurements that the Hubble Space Telescope made, and guess what? Webb confirmed that Hubble was right—the universe is expanding faster than what scientists expected.

This confirmation is not a resolution, but rather a deepening of the mystery. It strengthens the evidence that the Hubble tension is not due to observational errors but rather a real discrepancy that requires a more profound explanation.

Reddit Reactions: From Existential Dread to Humorous Skepticism

The Reddit thread showcases a wide spectrum of reactions to this news, ranging from serious contemplation to lighthearted humor. Here’s a breakdown of the diverse perspectives expressed:

1. Existential and Humorous Dread:

Some users responded with humor tinged with existential angst, reflecting on the implications of a potentially flawed understanding of the universe:

• I hope that in the new correct version of the universe I don’t still work at Arby’s.

• It turns out we are actually in hell after all

• Does this mean we get a do over on the current reality, cause this one kinda sucks right now.

• I knew I was in the Stupid Timeline by mistake. Now how do I get back to the same one?

These comments highlight a common human reaction to large-scale cosmic discoveries – a sense of disorientation and questioning of our place in the universe.

2. Skepticism of the Article and Media Hype:

Several users expressed skepticism towards the article itself, criticizing its quality and sensationalist title:

• Wow, this article is really awful.

• Click bait title.

• This article is hot garbage. garbage ai-generated website

• What a horrible headline and terribly written article.

• Three sentences in, and I think whoever wrote this needs to take ENG101 and learn to write.

This skepticism reflects a general distrust of media reporting on complex scientific topics, particularly when headlines seem exaggerated or misleading. The “AI-generated” comment is a common critique in the age of rapidly advancing AI writing tools, suggesting a perceived lack of depth or accuracy in the article’s content.

3. Humorous Takes and Pop Culture References:

Many Redditors injected humor and pop culture references into the discussion, often using absurdity to cope with the mind-bending nature of cosmology:

• Oh that’s a relief. Please tell NASA to update the universe

• Science is like those art pieces where if you keep zooming in and there’s more and more details. The James Webb telescope zoomed in and they found more detail.

• I think we can change the way we view it with a Sharpie, yes?

• Should we tell him about the sun? You mean we are not at the center of it!?!

• ”We always thought the universe was expanding, and we started with a big bang.. It looks like we WERE made by the Christian god, at least that’s what this executive order tells me I have to say” (This comment is likely sarcastic, referencing the intersection of science and societal/political narratives).

• Turns out “42” and “The Leader” really are the answers to the universe! (References to Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and possibly other works).

• It is shaped as a giant banana, right? I knew it!

• When patch notes dropping? (Gaming reference, playfully suggesting the universe is like a software program being updated).

• Turns out it’s all Ohio. (Internet meme referencing the idea of Ohio being an unusual or strange place).

• Down is up and “C-A-T” really spells “dog” like Ogre theorized? Doge got to the universe (Obscure references and internet slang/memes).

• We should make sure that James Webb isn’t measuring from the butthole. (Crude humor).

• Are you calling my momma a liar!??!?? (Humorous reaction to the implication of stars being older than Earth).

• The hit the loader once they got far enough and freaked out (Obscure reference, possibly gaming-related or nonsensical humor).

These humorous comments serve to lighten the mood and make the complex topic more approachable. They also demonstrate a common online coping mechanism – using humor to process overwhelming or abstract information.

4. Seeking Deeper Understanding and Asking Questions:

Some users engaged with the scientific implications more directly, asking for clarification and seeking deeper understanding:

• Is there a source that doesn’t read like it was written by AI? (Seeking a more reputable and well-written source).

• So their new discovery is that the calculations behind both those results were good? We have no idea if those measures can really indicate at what speed the universe is expanding. They’ve always been based on theory. Knowing that both measures are good is gonna tell a lot, though (Attempting to understand the implications of confirming both measurement methods).

• So this would mean the universe is ~15% younger than we previously thought? (Trying to quantify the impact of the findings).

• Alright, so we misjudged the expansion of the universe by about 10%. Can someone explain why this turns science on its head? Just saying, adding 7Km/s/Mpc… (Seeking explanation for the significance of the discrepancy).

• Is this related to the idea time moves differently across space? Gravity affects time and since there is less gravity in space outside of a galaxy, it experiences a faster rate of expansion of space (Connecting the topic to related concepts in physics).

• They will be surprised if they find out that this number is not a constant. It will shrink at some point and the Big Crunch will begin. (Introducing the idea of a non-constant expansion rate and the “Big Crunch” theory – a hypothetical end to the universe where expansion reverses).

These questions and observations indicate a genuine interest in understanding the scientific ramifications of the JWST findings and the Hubble tension. They highlight the desire for clearer explanations and the exploration of related concepts in cosmology and physics.

5. Philosophical and Meta-Comments on Science:

A few comments delve into more philosophical reflections on the nature of science and our understanding of the universe:

• G Spencer Brown wrote in The Laws of Form the universe expands whenever our instruments get more powerful (and, I guess, not the other way around). (A philosophical take linking observation and the nature of the universe, referencing the work of G. Spencer Brown, known for his work in logic and mathematics).

• “The universe and space are still concepts that the human mind does not fully understand, basically because there is so much mystery yet to be understood and discovered that it is hard to even believe it.“ … okay I’m glad we had this talk (Sarcastic comment on the obviousness of the universe’s mysteries).

• They drove to the fork in the road and went straight “but, if our calculations are correct, then all that remains is to understand that we do not yet know all the secrets of the universe.” Man how is that part not already painfully PAINFULLY obvious! holy shit. yeah no shit we dont already fully understand the entire universe. I don’t think I needed a telescope to see that. (Further sarcastic commentary on the self-evident nature of scientific uncertainty).

• This is great news. Crises birth paradigm shifts (A more optimistic view, suggesting that scientific crises can lead to breakthroughs and new understandings, referencing the concept of “paradigm shifts” in science).

• Nope The earth IS flat Nothing??? Like planets don’t exist? Space is actually breathable and not freezing? WHAT DOES IT MEAN????? (Sarcastic and extreme skepticism, parodying flat-Earth and conspiracy theories).

These comments reflect a broader understanding of science as an ongoing process of discovery and revision, and acknowledge the inherent limitations of human knowledge when faced with the vastness and complexity of the universe.

Analyzing the Chat GPT Summary: Helpful but Simplistic

The Chat GPT summary included in the thread provides a useful, albeit simplified, overview of the key points:

Chat GPT summary:

Why is the Universe Expanding Faster Than We Thought? Scientists have been trying to measure how fast the universe is expanding—a number called the Hubble constant. But there’s a big problem: different ways of measuring it give different answers. This mystery is called the Hubble tension.

What Did the Webb Telescope Find? The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) looked at galaxies and stars more clearly than ever before. It checked the same measurements that the Hubble Space Telescope made, and guess what? Webb confirmed that Hubble was right—the universe is expanding faster than what scientists expected.

Why Is This a Big Deal?

1. It proves there wasn’t a mistake in Hubble’s measurements.
   • Some scientists thought Hubble might have been wrong, but Webb confirmed the numbers are correct.
2. The universe is expanding faster than we thought.
   • The predicted speed (from the Big Bang theory) is 67 km/s per megaparsec, but actual measurements show 72-73 km/s per megaparsec.
3. Something is missing in our understanding of the universe.
   • Scientists now believe there must be some unknown force or new physics at play.
   • Some ideas include:
     • Early dark energy—a mysterious force that may have sped up the universe in the past.
     • Weird dark matter properties—maybe dark matter behaves in ways we don’t understand yet.
     • New types of particles or forces that scientists haven’t discovered.

What Happens Next? Since two of the best space telescopes agree on these numbers, scientists need to rethink some of the basic rules about how the universe works. The Hubble tension isn’t just a small mistake—it could be a sign that there’s a huge discovery waiting to be made about what the universe is really made of.

While accurate in its core points, the summary necessarily simplifies some of the nuances. For example, it states “Webb confirmed that Hubble was right,” which is true in the sense of confirming the measurements, but it doesn’t fully capture the fact that this confirmation deepens the existing problem rather than resolving it. It also simplifies the potential explanations for the Hubble tension. However, as a quick overview, it effectively conveys the main message of the news.

Potential Implications and Future Directions

The confirmation of the Hubble tension by JWST has significant implications for cosmology. As the Chat GPT summary and the original article suggest, it points towards a potential gap in our current understanding of the universe. Some of the proposed explanations include:

• Early Dark Energy: This hypothesis suggests that dark energy, the mysterious force driving the accelerating expansion of the universe, might have been stronger in the early universe than previously thought. This “early dark energy” could have caused a faster initial expansion, leading to the discrepancy we observe today. Dark energy is a poorly understood form of energy that makes up about 68% of the total energy density of the universe and is thought to be responsible for its accelerating expansion.
• Modified Dark Matter Properties: Dark matter is another mysterious component of the universe, making up about 27% of its total mass-energy density. We cannot see dark matter directly, but its gravitational effects are evident. Some theories propose that dark matter might interact with normal matter or itself in ways we don’t yet understand, which could affect the universe’s expansion rate.
• New Physics Beyond the Standard Model: The Hubble tension might be a sign that our current Standard Model of particle physics and our understanding of gravity are incomplete. It could point towards the existence of new particles, forces, or fundamental physics that we have yet to discover.

The Reddit thread also touches upon related concepts that could be connected to the Hubble tension, such as:

• Time Dilation and Gravity: One user raised the question of whether the Hubble tension relates to the idea that “time moves differently across space” due to variations in gravity. While time dilation due to gravity is a real phenomenon predicted by Einstein’s theory of relativity, its direct connection to the Hubble tension is not immediately clear and would require further exploration by physicists.

Conclusion: A Universe Still Full of Surprises

The Reddit thread, sparked by the news of JWST confirming the Hubble tension, encapsulates a mixture of human reactions to a significant scientific puzzle: from humor and skepticism to genuine curiosity and philosophical reflection. While the “nothing is what we thought” headline might be slightly hyperbolic, it captures the essence of the situation. The confirmation of the Hubble tension by the James Webb Telescope is not an error correction, but a confirmation of a real discrepancy that challenges our fundamental understanding of the universe. It underscores the fact that cosmology is still a field ripe with mysteries and that even with our most advanced instruments, the universe continues to surprise us, pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and prompting us to rethink our place within the cosmos. As one Redditor aptly put it, “Crises birth paradigm shifts,” suggesting that this tension, while perplexing, could be the catalyst for a new era of cosmological discovery.