Talk Description: The Dark Universe
Observational astronomers use telescopes that look at the furthest distances in the Universe to look back in time and trace the growth of structure in the cosmos. Recent multi-wavelength measurements have helped us to constrain the components that make up the Universe and how those components evolve. We now know that most of the Universe is made up of dark matter and dark energy, but the nature of these components remains largely unknown. In this talk I will give an overview of the techniques used to map the universe on the largest scales, which have enabled us to measure dark energy and dark matter.
For more information go to: Earthshine Astronomy
Talk Description: New Frontiers in Observational Cosmology
Mike Fich, University of Waterloo: Our most recent generation of cosmology experiments, such as the Planck satellite and observations of distant supernovae, has reduced all of cosmology to the very precise measurement of eight parameters. This relatively simple model seems complete with no hints of additional elements required to explain the entire evolution of the universe from the big bang to some far distant future. These recent results include such things as the precise measurement of the contributors to the overall mass–energy density of the universe. We know with great precision the amount of dark energy, dark matter, neutrinos, baryons, etc., in the universe today. What we do not know is exactly what most of these things really are.
In this talk Dr. Fich will discuss these elements and focus on the new experiments, now in development, that will give us insight into these areas of fundamental physics. One of the new instruments that will carry out these instruments is CCAT-prime, a telescope that is currently under construction by an international team that includes a strong pan-Canadian group of astronomers.
For more information go to: Earthshine Astronomy
Talk Description: Stories from Apollo 8
NOTE: This special event will be held in UTM Room 120 in the Instructional Building
Join us to hear award-winning science journalist and space historian Andrew Chaikin mark the the 50th anniversary of the famous Apollo 8 Moon mission. Andy will share stories from the historic mission including anecdotes from his interviews with the 3 Apollo 8 astronauts, and details on the mission’s origins and aftermath from his own in-depth research.
For more information go to: Earthshine Astronomy