Are you afraid of the dark? The Subterranean Search for Dark Matter
Are you afraid of the dark? The Subterranean Search for Dark Matter
- Event time: 5:00pm until 6:00pm
- Event date: 31st October 2024
- Speaker: Dr Sally Shaw (School of Physics & Astronomy, University of Edinburgh)
- Location: Alder Lecture Theatre, Nucleus Building, King's Buildings
Event details
All students and staff welcome.
Speaker
Dr Sally Shaw
Abstract
On and around October 31st, 2024, the world will celebrate the historic hunt for the unseen—something that scientists refer to as dark matter.
It’s no secret that we actually understand very little of our universe. Ordinary matter, like stars and planets and galaxies, make up just 5% of the total mass and energy of the universe. Dark matter, which we have so far only detected through its gravity-based effects in space, outnumbers this ordinary matter by 5:1, but its nature is one of the biggest mysteries in science. Our best theories suggest dark matter is made up of undiscovered particles, and they could teach us much about the history and structure of our universe.
In this seminar, I will explain what we do know about the dark matter mystery, then delve into the deep underground searches taking place that aim to find these enigmatic particles.
Refreshments
Meet at 16.30 in the Nucleus Building foyer for tea and cakes prior to the talk.
About General interest seminars
Our General Interest Seminars are an opportunity for distinguished speakers to present new research in physics and related areas. The material presented is suitable for undergraduate level upwards and all members of the School are welcome to attend..