Observatory

UWW Astronomy Program

The UW-Whitewater Observatory Lecture Series has one event left this spring addressing questions about dark matter.

Date: Fri, May 5 @ 7:30pm 

Location:  Upham Hall 141 (771 W Starin Rd, Whitewater, WI 53190) 

Speaker: Prof. Christy Tremonti (University of Wisconsin-Madison)  

Title:  The Dark Side of the Universe:  The quest to uncover the fundamental nature of dark matter

Abstract: Approximately 85% of the matter in the Universe is thought to be a mysterious substance called dark matter that neither emits nor absorbs light and only interacts with normal matter via gravity.  Ninety years have elapsed since the first evidence for dark matter emerged from astronomical observations,  but its fundamental nature remains one of the greatest cosmic mysteries.   In this talk we will explore the abundant evidence for dark matter in galaxies and clusters of galaxies.  Then, we will consider some of the possibilities for what dark matter might be.  Finally, we'll talk about some of the exciting physics experiments that are trying to directly detect dark matter particles on Earth and some of the new astronomical observations that will shed light on its fundamental nature.

Because of the cloudy weather forecast, we will not have open telescopes at the Observatory tonight. 

To stream the lecture live, please use this WebEx Link:   https://uww.webex.com/uww/j.php?MTID=m2488393b49380e63be9bf164f6da33b5

OBSERVATORY LECTURE SERIES - SEVERE WEATHER ALERT

       If severe weather is forecast for the night of the lecture, please make sure to check this page after 6 PM

the night of the lecture to determine if the lecture has been cancelled. Unless you find a cancellation

notice here at that time, the lecture will be held as scheduled.

An interactive solar system and a collection of images and links can be found at our

Virtual Observatory

UW-Whitewater Courses in Astronomy

Astronomy course information may be obtained from the Physics Department course page.