Futurity.org – Universe’s age: 13.75 billion years
“We’ve known for a long time that lensing is capable of making a physical measurement of Hubble’s constant,” says Phil Marshall of the Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology (KIPAC). However, gravitational lensing had never before been used in such a precise way.
This measurement provides an equally precise measurement of Hubble’s constant as long-established tools such as observation of supernovae and the cosmic microwave background. “Gravitational lensing has come of age as a competitive tool in the astrophysicist’s toolkit,” Marshall says.
via futurity.org
Be sure to watch Phil's video demonstrating how to lens with a wine glass. I've had the opportunity a couple times to see Phil give that demonstration, and it's always really fun.
