Public Lectures
Thursday August 21st, 2014, 18:30
Parque Explora
Studying the Dark Universe with Light Rays
Prof. Konrad Kuijken
Summary
Only a few percent of the matter and energy in the universe is in a form that we understand from particle physics. The rest consists of mysterious "dark matter", without which galaxies would not exist, and "dark energy", which causes the universe to expand faster and faster. This lecture will discuss the evidence for this 'dark side' of the universe, and highlight the role played by gravitational lenses.
Friday August 29th, 2014, 18:30
Medellin Planetarium
Astrometry from Space
Prof. Rudolf LePoole
Summary
The subject of astrometry: 'measuring positions of stars in the sky' may seem rather dull, and in fact it is (was) so difficult that by far the most effort went into the technique, and still with only variable success. Only recent advances in opto-mechanics and thermal design, and very careful and thorough investigations into error sources have made it possible to make quantum leaps it the precision with which the apparent positions of stars today can be compared to those of some time ago. The presentation addresses both the key steps that had to be taken to make this a success, and also the entirely new avenues in astronomy that can now be pursued. Also the entirely overwhelming new steps forward enabled by the achievements of Gaia when successful will be presented.