Utilizing the Digital Visualization Theater (DVT) to make a journey across the universe and into its deep past, Grant Mathews, professor of physics, will examine how the universe is a time machine and how Einstein’s theory of relativity helps us to conceptualize the meaning of space and time. The DVT will be used to show the various observations which give a picture of how the universe developed in the aeons past.
Prof. Mathews will discuss some current research views about the formation and evolution of the universe and explore such questions as:
- Why is the universe so large?
- Is the universe finite or infinite?
- Why are there only three large space dimensions plus time?
- What is cosmic inflation, the multiverse, and why do we believe there are parallel universes?
Finally, he will summarize how early glimpses of the universe have provided an understanding of the formation of the complex structure of galaxies and galactic clusters observed today, and what will be the future of the universe.
This event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited, so please plan to arrive early.