Talks and shows

The dark energy of Einstein’s aftermath

Uncover how future cosmological surveys will map the vast cosmic web of galaxies on scales so far only envisaged in computer simulations. 

NASA via Unsplash

Why is the universe the way that it is? Why is it expanding? Why is that expansion growing ever faster?

On the boundless scales of the cosmos the most formidable of nature's forces is gravity. Einstein predicted that gravity isn’t actually a force at all, but rather the curvature of spacetime. His ideas lie at the heart of our understanding of modern cosmology and the Universe’s chronology.

This same theory predicts black holes and gravitational waves, which have now been discovered in spectacular fashion. Examining the history of our expanding Universe we are led by the same theory inevitably to some kind of Big Bang — but does it predict dark energy driving an ever-accelerating universe, gradually diluting everything into nothing at all? Perhaps.

In this talk Chris Clarkson will describe our current understanding of the Universe at large and how future cosmological surveys will map the vast cosmic web of galaxies on scales so far only envisaged in prodigious computer simulations. Unravelling this delicate web will reveal not only the nature of the Big Bang itself, but the essence of dark energy — and with it, the future of the universe.

Event type

This is a theatre only event where the speakers and audience are together in our Theatre.

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For any queries regarding this event please get in touch by phone 020 7409 2992 or email events@ri.ac.uk.

About Chris Clarkson

Chris Clarkson is a cosmologist working at Queen Mary University of London. He works mainly on the theory of large scale structure of the universe but has worked on many aspects of gravity and cosmology, including the big bang, gravitational waves and black holes. He is currently Head of the Astronomy Unit at QMUL, having previously worked at the University of Cape Town as Head of the Cosmology Group. He studied for his PhD in Glasgow a long time ago, and undertook postdocs in Canada, South Africa and in the UK.

Timing

Doors to the theatre will open at 6.45pm and the talk will begin at 7.00pm.

Accessibility

The event will take place on the first floor and there is step-free access from the street via lift.

The closest underground station is Green Park, which is step-free.

There is space at floor level in the theatre for wheelchair users.

Seating is usually unreserved for our events. If you and your group require seating reservations, please do let us know by emailing us at events@ri.ac.uk, and we’ll be more than happy to help.

Carers can receive a free ticket to an event by emailing events@ri.ac.uk.

Our theatre is equipped with an Audio Induction Loop. 

Covid guidelines

Face masks are no longer mandatory and wearing one in our Theatre and at other Ri events is at your discretion, however please do not attend the Ri if you are displaying Covid symptoms or, if you have tested, the result remains positive. Thank you for respecting other people and their choices, and for helping us keep all of our visitors and staff safe and well.

Event terms and conditions