Related papers: Toward an internally consistent astronomical dista…
We revisit a model-independent estimator for cosmic acceleration based on type Ia supernovae distance measurements. This approach does not rely on any specific theory for gravity, energy content or parameterization for the scale factor or…
In this work we present the first results from a new ray-tracing tool to calculate cosmological distances in the context of fully nonlinear general relativity. We use this tool to study the ability of the general cosmographic representation…
AGB variables, particularly the large amplitude Mira type, are a vital step on the distance scale ladder. They will prove particularly important in the era of space telescopes and extremely large ground-based telescopes with adaptive…
We use high-redshift type Ia supernova and compact radio source data in order to test the infrared (IR) fixed point model of the late Universe which was proposed recently. It describes a cosmology with a time dependent cosmological constant…
Deeper understanding of the properties of dark energy via SNIa surveys, and to a large extent other methods as well, will require unprecedented photometric precision. Laboratory and solar photometry and radiometry regularly achieve…
I review the current state of determinations of the Hubble constant, which gives the length scale of the Universe by relating the expansion velocity of objects to their distance. There are two broad categories of measurements. The first…
We present a Bayesian analysis of the distances to 15,040 Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) RR Lyrae stars using $V$- and $I$-band light curves from the Optical Gravitational Lensing Experiment, in combination with new $z$-band observations from…
We have obtained single-phase near-infrared magnitudes in the J and K bands for a sample of 78 RR Lyrae stars in the Sculptor dSph galaxy. Applying different theoretical and empirical calibrations of the period-luminosity-metallicity…
Globular clusters are among the first objects used to establish the distance scale of the Universe. In the 1970-ies it has been recognized that the differential magnitude distribution of old globular clusters is very similar in different…
Distance measurement is crucial to astronomy. Here we suggest a new conceptual method to measure the distance by using a local instrument. By engaging the double-slit interference and by considering the phase information of the light, the…
We present limits on the cosmological constant from the statistics of gravitational lenses using newly completed quasar surveys, new lens data, and a range of lens models. The formal limit is $\lambda_0 < 0.66$ at 95\% confidence in flat…
Type Ia supernovae (SNe\,Ia) serve as crucial cosmological distance indicators because of their empirical consistency in peak luminosity and characteristic light curve decline rates. These properties facilitate them to be standardized…
Refined astrometry measurements allow us to detect large-scale deviations from isotropy through real-time observations of changes in the angular separation between sources at cosmic distances. This "cosmic parallax" effect is a powerful…
We probe the angular scale of homogeneity in the local Universe using blue galaxies from the SDSS survey as a cosmological tracer. Through the scaled counts in spherical caps, $ \mathcal{N}(<\theta) $, and the fractal correlation dimension,…
The existence of 'peculiar' velocities due to the formation of cosmic structure marks a point of discord between the real Universe and the usually assumed Friedmann-Lema\'{i}tre-Robertson-Walker metric which accomodates only the smooth…
(abridged) New photometry and spectroscopy for more than a hundred RR Lyrae stars in two fields located close to the bar of the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) are used to derive new accurate estimates of the average magnitude, the local…
I review measurements of star formation in nearby galaxies in the UV-to-FIR wavelength range, and discuss their impact on SFR determinations in intermediate and high redshift galaxy populations. Existing and upcoming facilities will enable…
The status of the determination of the Hubble constant is reviewed, setting out the evidence for the long distance scale with H_0=55+/-5. In parallel, various precepts said to favor the short distance scale with H_0>70 are discussed. The…
Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) are one of the major tools to determine the cosmological parameters. Utilizing them as distance indicators, it is possible to geometrically survey the universe. To this end, the intrinsic scatter in the…
While recent supernova cosmology research has benefited from improved measurements, current analysis approaches are not statistically optimal and will prove insufficient for future surveys. This paper discusses the limitations of current…