RCI Talk: Weighing the Universe with Gravitational Lensing

Laura Parker, B.Sc., Ph.D., Department of Physics and Astronomy, McMaster University, Hamilton

Most of the mass in the Universe is believed to be in an unseen form called dark matter.  In this talk I will present the observational evidence leading to this incredible realization.  I will then focus in particular on the use of gravitational lensing to investigate dark matter.  In gravitational lensing light is bent by the presence of  massive objects in much the same way that an optical lens bends light.   Remarkably, we can use lensing to study the amount and distribution of dark matter in the universe on scales ranging from individual galaxies to the entire universe itself.

This is a joint lecture with the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada – Mississauga Centre

Who can attend: everyone, public
Fee: free 
Reservation not needed 
Organized by: Royal Canadian Institute for Advancement of Science (RCI) and RASC Missaussaga Centre
Location: Noel Ryan Auditorium, Mississauga Central Library301 Burnhamthorpe Road W.Free parking is available under the library.  The entrance is an unmarked ramp that can only be accessed southbound on Duke of York Boulevard between City Centre Drive and Burnhamthorpe Road.