Dark Matter and Dark Energy: Or, Oops! We Only Understand 4% of the Observable Universe August 14, 2009

A lecture and discussion led by Matthew Lewis, who holds a Ph.D. in astrophysics and is an expert on the theoretical foundations of dark matter and dark energy. No previous physics expertise is required, and the event is free to the public.

Abstract:

How embarrassing: Here it is the 21st Century, and we only have a solid understanding of about 4% of the total matter and energy in the observable Universe. Several robust lines of evidence suggest that the remaining 96% of the Universe consists of two unknown and difficult to detect components known as dark matter and dark energy.

In this talk Dr. Lewis will explain how we know that dark matter and dark energy exist when, in fact, we cannot see them, as well as discuss the state-of-the-art theoretical efforts to understand the nature of these mysterious phenomena.