The Astrophysical Distance Scale III: Distance to the Local Group Galaxy
  WLM using Multi-Wavelength Observations of the Tip of the Red Giant Branch,
  Cepheids, and JAGB Stars
  The local determination of the Hubble Constant sits at a crossroad. Current
estimates of the local expansion rate of the Universe differ by about
1.7-sigma, derived from the Cepheid and TRGB based calibrations, applied to
type Ia supernovae. To help elucidate possible sources of systematic error
causing the tension, we show in this study the recently developed distance
indicator, the J-region Asymptotic Giant Branch (JAGB) method
(arXiv:2005.10792), can serve as an independent cross-check and comparison with
other local distance indicators. Furthermore, we make the case that the JAGB
method has substantial potential as an independent, precise and accurate
calibrator of type Ia supernovae for the determination of H0. Using the Local
Group galaxy, WLM we present distance comparisons between the JAGB method, a
TRGB measurement at near-infrared (JHK) wavelengths, a TRGB measurement in the
optical I band, and a multi-wavelength Cepheid period-luminosity relation
determination. We find: $\mu_0$ (JAGB) = 24.97 +/- 0.02 (stat) +/- 0.04 (sys)
mag, $\mu_0$ (TRGB NIR) = 24.98 +/- 0.04 stat) +/- 0.07 (sys) mag, $\mu_0$
(TRGB F814W) = 24.93 +/- 0.02 (stat) +/- 0.06 (sys) mag, $\mu_0$ (Cepheids) =
24.98 +/- 0.03 (stat) +/- 0.04 (sys) mag. All four methods are in good
agreement, confirming the local self-consistency of the four distance scales at
the 3% level, and adding confidence that the JAGB method is as accurate and as
precise a distance indicator as either of the other three astrophysically-based
methods.
