IN PERSON: Astrophysics quite literally covers the entire universe. In this course, we’ll explore some of its most fascinating questions and discoveries, including: 1) When Einstein Changed the World: the remarkable story of 1905, Einstein’s “miracle year”; 2) Einstein’s Biggest Blunder: the tale of the cosmological constant and how it transformed our understanding of the universe; 3) The Origin of the Elements: how the atoms that make up our bodies were forged in stars, and why we are truly made of stardust; 4) Dark Matter and Dark Energy: evidence that nearly 95% of the universe is composed of mysterious substances unlike anything we know, along with current ideas about their nature; 5) Space Travel: what the future may hold for humans beyond Earth. Each lecture stands on its own, and no prior background in physics or astronomy is required. Participants will gain essential scientific context and an appreciation for some of the most intriguing and puzzling problems in modern astrophysics. | Lecture + Q&A.
Max enrollment: 25.
Location Change: Erwin Mill, Bay A Classroom A103, 2024 W. Main St. Durham, NC 27705
