LCO Astronomy Talk Series

October 19, 2016

The Las Cumbres Observatory presents

LCO Astronomy Talk Series

Featuring Prof. Robert P. Kirshner

Einstein's Blunder Undone: 

Exploding stars, Dark Energy, and the Accelerating Universe

Just 100 years ago, Albert Einstein invented a new theory of gravity: general relativity. When he applied it to the universe as a whole, he inserted a mathematical term, the cosmological constant, to account for a static universe. But within a decade, astronomers showed that the universe is not static, but expanding. Einstein discarded that cosmological constant, dubbed his "greatest blunder." But more recent observations of exploding stars halfway across the universe show that the universe is not only expanding, but the expansion is speeding up. We attribute this to a "dark energy" that is very much like Einstein's cosmological constant--a mysterious repulsive energy that makes up 2/3 of the energy in the universe.

For more information, visit lcogt.net/events/public-talk-series/

TIMES: Wednesday, October 19, at 7:00 P.M. (NOTE EARLY TIME) 

TICKETS: Free, admittance on a first-come-first-served basis

All seating is general admission. All ticket sales are final at the time of purchase. There are no refunds or exchanges. For all performances late seating is on a limited basis, or is not allowed at all once the performance begins. Please plan your arrival time accordingly.

BOX OFFICE (805) 963-0408 (V/TDD)