Suppose it is discovered that the Hubble constant is half the value we have been using. (The redshifts have all been measured correctly.) What would this mean for the calculated distances to distant galaxies?
A)The distance calculations would be unaffected.
B)All calculated distances would be halved.
C)All calculated distances would be doubled.
D)All calculated distances would more than double.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Hubble constant is used to calculate distances to distant galaxies through the Hubble law, which states that the recessional velocity of a galaxy is proportional to its distance from us. If the Hubble constant is halved, the calculated distances would be halved as well. This is because the velocity of a galaxy is proportional to the distance, so reducing the proportionality constant in half leads to a reduction of the velocity and distance by half.

Suppose It Is Discovered That the Hubble Constant Is Half