Charting the Evolution of the Universe
Offered By: The Royal Institution via YouTube
Course Description
Overview
Explore the evolution of the Universe in this demo-packed lecture by renowned cosmologist Brian Keating. Delve into early models of the universe's origin, including Newton and Einstein's contributions, and learn about Lemaitre's Big Bang theory. Examine the four pillars of the Big Bang Theory and its potential problems. Discover the cosmic microwave background radiation and explore alternatives to the singular Big Bang, including the inflationary multiverse theory. Understand the double slit experiment and how polarisation can disprove other theories. Learn about B-mode polarisation and its significance in cosmology. Hear about the Simons Observatory and future experiments, as well as the challenges of the multiverse theory. Gain insights into the importance of experimental science, drawing inspiration from Michael Faraday's work.
Syllabus
Introduction
Early models of the universe’s origin
Newton and Einstein’s models of the universe
Lemaitre’s Big Bang
The four pillars of the Big Bang Theory
What’s the problem with the Big Bang theory?
Discovery of cosmic microwave background radiation
Alternatives to the singular Big Bang
The inflationary multiverse theory
The double slit experiment
Disproving other theories with polarisation
B-mode polarisation – the decisive experiment
Losing the Nobel Prize due to meteorites
The Simons Observatory and the next experiment
Problems with the multiverse theory
Michael Faraday and experimental science
Taught by
The Royal Institution
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