Forum: Echoes of the Big Bang |
Friday, Oct. 8th at 7:00 PM
Most cosmologists generally now agree with the "Big Bang" theory of the creation of the universe. The Big Bang theory holds that a violent instantaneous explosion some 15 billion years ago caused every particle to start rushing from every other particle in an early super-dense phase. Since then, the observable universe has continued to expand, gradually increasing the distance between our Galaxy and external galaxies.
The question of whether the universe will eventually collapse back on itself due to gravitational attraction or continue to expand forever has historically been a topic of hot debate. The latest findings suggest that momentum will win out over gravity and that our universe will expand forever. If this is true, when the universe is about 150 billion years old, all the existing stars will have burned out and the universe will then be a cold, dark, and dead place. The universe will then have ended with a whimper and not with a bang.
If you think that cosmology is remote theoretical scientific exercise with little relevance to your day-to-day existence, it might surprise you to learn that atoms that make up your body were created by stars. We (and our world) are made up of star stuff!The cosmological story of how our universe began, evolved, is now structured, and how it will likely change; is a fascinating area of scientific study. What is equally fascinating, but not so well known, is how scientists are now able to unlock the secrets of the universe using ever more sophisticated astronomical tools and brilliant reasoning. At this Forum you will learn some the secrets of the "How" of astronomy and cosmology as well as the "What".
Our speaker for the October Forum is Eric Richards Ph.D., a Post Doctoral Fellow at ASU's Physics/Astronomy Department. He is working under a grant from NASA for cosmological research utilizing radio telescopes. There will be time to address your specific questions and issues. Please join us for what will undoubtedly be an enlightening and interesting evening.
To get to AutoNation, take the Ray Road exit off I-10 East, turn left over the freeway on Ray, then turn left at the first road (54th Street), go one block and turn left on Orchard. The Post-Forum discussion will be at Keegans only a few blocks away.
Questions?: Call Jerry Corbin at 438-0958