New Facts From the First Galaxy Distance Estimates

Abstract

A new database from the NASA/IPAC Extragalactic Database (NED) of galaxy Distances (NED-D), normally the source for the newest precision-based estimates, provides access to the oldest redshift-independent extragalactic distances in the publication record. Two new surprises emerge when the early distance estimates are placed in chronological order. Both discoveries credited to Hubble based on these distances had in fact been made earlier. Hubble however, proved the case.