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Stargazing Lecture

Friday, June 23, 2023
8:00pm to 10:00pm
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Cahill Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics
Dark Matter: The Elusive Fibers of the Universe
Xuejian Shen, Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Theoretical Astrophysics, Caltech,
  • Public Event

Stargazing is dependent on clear weather, but lecture and Q&A happen regardless. Event will occur in-person, with lecture and Q&A additionally live-streamed on YouTube.


For remote viewers, the event will be live-streamed here:
https://youtube.com/live/xyccTgyWhHY

8:00–8:45 p.m. - Public Lecture
8:45–9:45 p.m. - Panel Q&A and Guided Stargazing

Scientists believe that most of the mass of the universe is composed of dark matter, a hypothetical material with no (or extremely weak) interactions with the normal matter we encounter in our daily lives. Despite being effectively invisible, dark matter is essential for the formation of large structures, like galaxies, in the universe. The fundamental nature of dark matter is one of the biggest question in modern physics. Could it be black holes? Could it be some new particles that have so far eluded detection in collider experiments? In this talk, I will discuss the compelling evidence for dark matter from astrophysical observations and introduce several hypotheses about the true nature of dark matter.

About the Series

Stargazing Lectures are free lectures at a public level followed by a Q&A panel and guided stargazing with telescopes (weather permitting). All events are held at the Cahill Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics at Caltech. No reservations are needed. Lectures are 30 minutes; stargazing and panel Q&A last 60 minutes. Stay only as long as you want.

Stargazing is only possible with clear skies, but the lecture and panel Q&A takes place regardless of weather.

For directions, weather updates, and more information, please visit: http://outreach.astro.caltech.edu.

For more information, please contact Cameron Hummels by email at chummels@caltech.edu.