Standard Candles: Explaining Flux & Hubble Constant

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the Hubble constant (H0) using standard candles observed at a distance of 1 Mpc, with a known flux of F1Mpc = 1. The penalty function for fitting the model to the data is defined as χ²(H0) = Σ(F_model(z_i|H0 - F_i)/σ_i)², where F_model represents the predicted flux at redshift z. The equation F_model(z_i|H0 - F_i) = F1Mpc((1 Mpc)H0/cz)² is derived to explain the relationship between flux, distance, and redshift, emphasizing the importance of understanding the underlying physics of flux calculations in cosmology.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of redshift and its relation to velocity (z = v/c)
  • Familiarity with the concept of standard candles in astrophysics
  • Knowledge of the Hubble constant and its significance in cosmology
  • Basic grasp of statistical methods, particularly the chi-squared minimization technique
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the flux equation F = l/(4πd²) in the context of standard candles
  • Learn about the application of chi-squared fitting in astrophysical data analysis
  • Explore the implications of the Hubble constant in the expanding universe model
  • Investigate the relationship between distance, redshift, and luminosity in cosmology
USEFUL FOR

Astronomy students, astrophysicists, and researchers involved in cosmological measurements and the analysis of astronomical data using standard candles.

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Homework Statement


Suppose that we observe the redshifts and apparent fluxes of a sample of standard
candles. When observed at a distance of 1 Mpc, the standard candles are known to
have a flux F1Mpc = 1. From this sample of standard candles, we can measure the
Hubble constant H0.

redshift = z
flux = F
flux error = σ

The penalty function
\chi^2(H_o)=\sum_i^N(\frac{F_{model}(z_i|H_o-F_i)}{\sigma_i})^2

where ##F_{model}(z_i|H_o-F_i)## is the predicted flux of a standard candle at redshift z, given a value of Ho, and {zi, Fi, σi} are the redshift,
flux, and error for the ith standard candle. The best- fitting value of H0 consistent with the data is the value that minimizes ##\chi^2##.

a) Explain why F_{model}(z_i|H_o-F_i)=F_{1Mpc}(\frac{(1Mpc)H_o}{cz})^2


Homework Equations


Flux ##F=\frac{l}{4 \pi d^2}##
Hubble ##H=\frac{\dot{a}}{a}##

The Attempt at a Solution



I was given a data set of standard candle measurements with this problem but since I have no clue where the equation comes from I don't know if I'm suppose to use it for this or not. I'm guessing not since it wants me to explain why the equation is used.

I understand that ##z=\frac{v}{c}## so the equation is ##F_{model}(z_i|H_o-F_i)=F_{1Mpc}(\frac{(1Mpc)H_o}{v_{recession}})^2##

But, I don't know why this is necessarily the predicted flux.

Once I have this part understood I may have follow up questions because there is three parts to this. Let me know if I should go ahead and add those.

Thanks for any help.
 
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I'm still struggling to understand this question. Anyone have some insight they might want to share?
 

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