Union3.1: Reducing Systematics in Supernova Cosmology with Self-consistent Measurements of Host Galaxy Properties for 2000 Type Ia Supernovae
Photometrically derived distances of Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) rely on a $\sim5\%$ empirical correction based on host galaxy properties, e.g., global stellar mass. Unbiased cosmology inference therefore requires the self-consistent determination of host properties across the full range of redshifts probed, which we undertake here for approximately 2000 SNe in the Union3 compilation (now Union3.1). We use homogeneous, optical-infrared photometry from the DESI Legacy Imaging Surveys to infer global galaxy properties using the stellar population synthesis and SED-fitting code Prospector. We find that the host masses of $z<0.1$ SNe in Union3 were on average overestimated, while the opposite was true for $z<0.15$ SNe in Pantheon+. After correction, the two studies' average distance modulus estimated for low-redshift SNe, previously $>0.03$ mag discrepant, come into 0.01 mag agreement. Updating the UNITY SN analysis, we find the uncertainties on all standardization parameters shrink to $0.6$-$0.9\times$ their previous sizes. For flat-$Λ$CDM, we find from SNe alone $Ω_m=0.344^{+0.026}_{-0.025}$ (a $-0.4σ$ shift from Union3). We then combine with measurements of Baryon Acoustic Oscillations and the Cosmic Microwave Background exactly as done by DESI DR2 and find for flat $w_0w_a$CDM, $w_0=-0.719\pm0.084$ and $w_a=-0.95^{+0.29}_{-0.26}$, corresponding to $3.4σ$ evidence against a cosmological constant (down from $3.8σ$ per DESI-DR2+Planck+Union3). Updating the DESI-DR2+Planck+SN combined probe analysis with the recent Dovekie recalibration of DES-SN5YR (B. Popovic et al. 2025) or the updated Pantheon+, we find $3.4σ$ (was $4.2σ$ before Dovekie) and $3.2σ$ (was $2.8σ$ before our correction to Pantheon+) evidence, respectively, against a cosmological constant--a significantly improved consistency between SN analyses.