Probing potential redshift-dependent systematics in the Hubble tension: Model-independent $H_0$ constraints from DESI R2

Abstract

We present a determination of the Hubble constant ($H_0$) using the latest observational data from multiple cosmological probes, providing an independent geometric calibration of the SN Ia distance scale. By combining baryon acoustic oscillation (BAO) measurements from the second data release of the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI DR2), cosmic chronometer $H(z)$ data, and the Pantheon Plus Type Ia supernova (SN Ia) sample, we reconstruct the cosmic expansion history through Gaussian process regression without assuming a specific cosmological model. Our analysis fully incorporates the complete covariance structure and yields $H_0$ constraints at five distinct redshifts: $65.72 \pm 1.99$ (z=0.51), $67.78 \pm 1.75$ (z=0.706), $70.74 \pm 1.39$ (z=0.934), $71.04 \pm 1.93$ (z=1.321), and $68.37 \pm 3.95~\mathrm{km~s^{-1}~Mpc^{-1}}$ (z=1.484). The Bayesian combination of these measurements gives $\hat{H}_0 = 69.29 \pm 0.81~\mathrm{km~s^{-1}~Mpc^{-1}}$ with 1.2\% precision, which occupies an intermediate position between the Planck CMB result and the SH0ES local measurement. While we observe a non-monotonic pattern in $H_0$ values across redshifts, statistical tests show this apparent evolution is not significant (p = 0.208). Our approach delivers independent constraints at multiple redshifts, enabling investigation of potential redshift-dependent systematic effects in the Hubble tension. The results demonstrate that an independent geometric method yields an $H_0$ value consistent with the intermediate range of current measurements, providing a crucial cross-check of distance ladder determinations.