The Universe continues to expand, defying Einstein’s Theory of Relativity, which would have gravity slowing the cosmic expansion. Since 1998, observations have confirmed that expansion is speeding up. Cosmic expansion is believed to be caused by Dark Energy. Currently we can account for 5% of the energy and mass in the universe, because it is derived from ordinary matter. Another 27% of the mass is from Dark Matter, which can be determined by its gravitational effects on ordinary matter. The remaining 68% is Dark Energy, which still mostly remains a mystery to scientists.
Two telescope observation projects, the Dark Energy Survey experiment, DES, and the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument , DESI, collaboration are working toward helping scientists resolve some of the mystery surrounding Dark Energy. Dark Energy is not predicted by the Standard Model of particle physics and its nature has eluded scientists. Some theories that explain what Dark Energy may be predict measurable differences in cosmological observations. DES and DESI will attempt to detect the differences and possibly determine the nature of Dark Energy.
Our April general meeting presentation will describe the upgrade to the 4-meter Blanco telescope for the Dark Energy Survey experiment (DES), and the upgrade to the 4-meter Mayall telescope for the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument collaboration (DESI). These telescopes are respectively located in La Serena, Chile, and in Kitt Peak, Arizona. The presentation will also describe the scientific goals of both the DES and the DESI collaborations.
Dr. Gaston Gutierrez is currently a High Energy physicist. He has been at Fermilab since 1983. As a High Energy physicist, he builds the D0 fiber tracker and records precise measurements of the mass of the top quark. About fifteen years ago, Dr. Gutierrez became very interested in the mysterious “Dark Energy” and switched fields to Cosmology. Since then, he has participated in the upgrades to the Blanco and the Mayall 4-meter telescopes. These are very similar telescopes respectively located in La Serena, Chile, and Kitt Peak, Arizona. His main interest in Cosmology is in the evolution of the Large-Scale Structure in the Universe in general, and Weak Gravitational Lensing in particular.
Focal Plane November ’24 – Searching for Gravitational Waves from Supermassive Black Hole Mergers
The October 3, 2024 NASA Universe of Learning featured discussion on gravity. One of the topics covered was searching for gravitational waves from supermassive black hole mergers. Chiara Mingarelli, PhD - assistant professor of Physics at Yale University,...
Astronomy Fundamentals – Choosing a Telescope – Things to Consider
For many new comers to the hobby, the biggest question asked is what kind of telescope should I buy? Whether it is parents nurturing their child’s curiosity, or an adult that wants to enjoy the night sky. Of course, the hobby can be enjoyed without telescopes, and...
November ’24 Focal Plane – Discovering the Stars
For millennia, humanity has looked up at countless tiny points of light in our night sky – and wondered. What are the stars, and how did they get there? How far away are they, how big are they, why do they shine? In the last few centuries, astronomers have learned a...
November’24 – Rick’s Picks
Transient Events That Can Give Us a Good Enough Reason to Get Outside and Do a Little ObservingAll month: After favoring the morning sky for much of the year, the planets’ transformation into evening targets is nearly complete as November opens, and unmistakable by...