Register below!
Cosmology 102 (2024)
Four Wednesday classes – November 20, skips 27; December 4, 11, 18
Online, 7-9 PM ET
$50/$60(nonmembers)
This is an intermediate-level course, a sequel to Cosmology 101. However, the topics covered are distinct and stand apart from that prior course and are also accessible to newcomers to cosmology. Cosmology is that part of astronomy that asks the big questions like how the cosmos came to be, what is happening within it now, what are its age and size, and what is its far-distant future. It’s helpful if those who enroll have a slight acquaintance with the Big Bang theory, the expansion of the universe, and H, the Hubble constant measuring the rate of expansion. A review of these cornerstones is given as themes are introduced.
Gravitational waves interacting Photo of baby universe at 380,000 years old
Nov. 20- THE CURRENT LAMBDA CDM MODEL OF THE BIG BANG.– REFINING OUR KNOWLEDGE ABOUT DARK MATTER AND DARK ENERGY
We will review the model that most accurately describes and predicts the evolution of our Universe: the Lambda CDM (Cold Dark Matter). We’ll discuss the basic main constituents of the model, with a special focus on dark matter and dark energy. We analyze the Friedman Equations, which are the cornerstones of this model. It’s also important to review the Hubble constant, the scale factor, and the redshift z value in order to derive their relationship to each other.
Dec. 4- COSMIC INFLATION AND THE EARLY UNIVERSE.– IS DARK ENERGY REALLY COSMIC INFLATION STILL OCCURRING AT THE EDGE?
During the early Universe (10-32 seconds after the BB), the Universe underwent a rapid expansion that is called “inflation.” The expansion was greater than the speed of light How is that allowed? We will discuss the need for inflation and how it explains specific properties of the large-scale Universe. Is there a potential connection between inflation and dark energy? Are there possible additions to the Standard Model of Particle Physics?
Dec. 11- EINSTEIN’S THEORY, BLACK HOLES, GRAVITATIONAL WAVES, ENTROPY– BRIDGING GENERAL RELATIVITY AND QUANTUM PHYSICS
Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity (GR) is the foundation of the fabric of the Universe. Einstein brilliantly devised it, and experiments confirmed it in every instance. Black Holes and gravitational waves are a result of Einstein’s GR. The law of thermodynamics governs our Universe, and entropy is a key concept. We will learn about the entropy of the Universe and Black Holes and how entropy invariably increases. Lastly, we will discuss the biggest challenge to modern physics: a bridge between GR and quantum physics. Gravity is not yet explained at a quantum scale.
Dec. 18– MODERN COSMOLOGY: OBSERVATIONS AND IDEAS– ARE THE JETS JUST AS AWFUL IN ANOTHER MULTIVERSE?
Bigger is better! Larger and more sophisticated telescopes open new windows to the Universe. We’ll review the observational evidence gathered by modern telescope programs, including JWST, and the big questions that still loom ahead of us. String Theory, as a possible model of quantum gravity, will be reviewed. What is the multiverse, and will the Jets go undefeated in a parallel Universe?
Instructor- Matthias Schmitt has a master’s in astronomy and conducts observation sessions for the U.S. Park Service at Cedar Breaks, Utah. He established a private night-sky touring service. He previously directed TV/cable programs on space science and adventures for young people. Matthias is an active AAA member, Eyepiece contributor, and frequent instructor. He was featured in a “AAA Sky” podcast and travels often to view solar eclipses.
REGISTER IN THE TICKETS WINDOW BELOW
• Select # of tickets desired.
• Your confirmation will contain a link to the Google Classroom (GC) used for communicating with the instructor and fellow students, for materials downloaded to you, for links to recordings for each class, and for the link into your Zoom class each time around 7 PM. Click on that GC link immediately to be placed on the class roster.
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