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Past Events
Public Lecture Series: Introduction to Cosmology
| Speaker: | Dr. Hui, Lam |
| Affiliation: | Columbia University |
| Date: | July 12, 2010 (Mon) & July 14, 2010 (Wed) |
| Time: | 4:00-5:00pm |
| Venue: | Room 522, Chong Yuet Ming Physics Building, HKU |
Lecture 1: Dark Energy and the Homogeneous Universe
July 12, 2010 (Mon), 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Abstract:
We introduce the basic concepts of a homogeneous, isotropic and expanding universe, and discuss the surprising recent finding that the present universe appears to be accelerating, suggesting the existence of a mysterious component known as dark energy, the simplest example of which is Einstein's cosmological constant.
(Presentation File)
Lecture 2: Dark Matter and the Large Scale Structure of the Universe
July 14, 2010 (Wed), 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Abstract:
We introduce the prevalent structure formation paradigm: gravitational instability, where dark matter plays a dominant role. The many manifestations of the cosmic large scale structure are discussed: the microwave background, the intergalactic medium, galaxies and gravitational lensing. If time permits, we will also discuss inflation - a theory of the initial conditions of the universe.