Astronomers have developed a new method to measure distances to bright but faraway galaxies, a tool which will help better constrain the expansion rate of the universe.
The nature of the universe lies within a single constant. Measuring this one number — known as the Hubble constant — tells us the universe’s expansion rate, its age, and ultimately, its fate. Now a team of astronomers led by Yuzuru Yoshii (University of Tokyo) has developed an entirely new method to measure this crucial number.
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/news/A-New-Galactic-Yardstick-252950301.html