Gravitational Wave analysis using Bayesian Inference to calculate the Hubble Constant

Neal, Ruth (2023). Gravitational Wave analysis using Bayesian Inference to calculate the Hubble Constant. The University of Sheffield.

Abstract

The Hubble constant is the value of the Hubble parameter (H(t)) at the present epoch and is of interest as it characterises the expansion of the Universe. An accurate estimate of this value would indicate how rapidly the Universe is expanding. Gravitational Wave analysis offers a method of calculating the Hubble constant. The Hubble constant was calculated using three Gravitational Wave events GW170817, GW150914 and GW190403. This was accomplished using Bayesian inference. Posterior plots of the estimate for the Hubble constant for each event were plotted along with a combined plot showing all three posterior estimates. The respective estimates for the Hubble constant are GW170817; 74, GW150914; 67 and GW190403; 68. These estimates are comparable with published values where these are available.

Plain Language Summary

The Hubble constant is important to the scientific community as it help in our understanding of the early universe. An accurate estimate would indicate how rapidly the Universe is expanding. Three Gravitational Wave events are considered, GW170817, GW150914 and GW190403. These are used to calculate the Hubble constant using Gravitational Wave analysis and Bayesian inference. The respective estimates for the Hubble constant are GW170817; 74, GW150914; 67 and GW190403; 68. These estimates are comparable with published values.

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