Abstract: Cosmology – the study of the Universe in which we live – inevitably goes back further than recorded human history. Questions of the origin and nature of our world and Universe seem fundamentally intertwined with our inquisitive nature. While some questions may forever remain unanswerable or philosophical in nature, science is continually advancing our understanding of the ‘how’, ‘why’, ‘what’ and ‘when’ of our Universe. Not only are we learning the content, history, and physics of our Universe but, ultimately, its fate. We routinely use the Universe itself as the largest and most powerful conceivable laboratory with which to study fundamental physics at energies and scales unattainable by even the largest particle colliders humans could ever dream to build.
At the heart of many of the experiments that are making these discoveries are technologies developed and built right here in Boulder, Colorado. Superconducting technologies developed by researchers at NIST-Boulder and CU-Boulder are currently enabling the most sensitive measurements of the Universe during its infancy, many billions of years ago. This includes measurements of the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB), ancient light from the early universe and a remnant of the Big Bang. In this talk, I’ll present a brief history of the study of Cosmology, describe the current state of the art of our understanding of our Universe, and review some of the Boulder-based superconducting technologies that are making it possible. Along the way, I’ll provide a glimpse into aspects of the life and career path for an experimental physicist and astronomer. Finally, I’ll be happy to attempt to answer and discuss any questions and curiosities you may have.
The Department of Physics proudly presents the Saturday Physics Series, lectures geared toward high school students and adults to highlight the exciting research and practical potential of physics.
All lectures are free and open to the public.