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.
Europa Clipper: NASA Investigates an Icy Ocean
Europa, one of Jupiter's four biggest moons, appears to harbor a liquid ocean not far beneath its bright, icy surface. Is there life there? NASA plans to fly the Europa Clipper spacecraft to orbit Jupiter and, making frequent flybys of Europa, will study the...
Astronomy Fundamentals: The Last Trillionth of the Journey
As stargazers, we look out across space at objects floating in what is mostly vast emptiness. The light we see travels at its breathtaking speed through a vacuum, only now and then perhaps encountering some wisps of gases and dusts. To an observer on our Moon, or to...
Artemis Program: Returning to the Moon After More Than 50 Years
The Artemis project is our follow-up to the Apollo missions. In Greek mythology Artemis is the twin sister of Apollo. The goal is to not be a repeat of Apollo, but to achieve a sustainable long-term presence at the Moon. Artemis 1 launched November 16, 2022 and...
Astronomy Fundamentals: Exploring the Winter Sky – Going Beyond the Usual Suspects
The Winter season brings some of the brightest stars in view. And with those stars, some bright deep sky objects. The season brings a chance to observe M42, M44, and M45, as well as the Winter Milky Way through Cassiopeia. However, the same old objects every year may...