The Whole Enchilada: Beginning, History, and Future of the Universe

(AST 13)

What does it mean to say that the universe began in a “Big Bang”? What happened next and how did the universe arrive at its present state? What does the future hold? What makes us think we can answer such questions?

Using basic physical concepts that will be explained in class, we will explore the science of cosmology, the study of the universe as a whole, and cosmogony, the study of its origin. We will follow the logic that leads us to conclude that the universe began with a bang and will end with a whimper and discover what happens along the way. We will learn what we can about dark matter, dark energy, inflation, and the connection between physics at the grand scale (cosmology) and at the smallest scales (particle physics). We might even get to (shudder!) multi-verses. Finally, we will talk about the spectacular advances in our ability to make observations — both from the ground and from space — that give us confidence that our theories actually describe the universe.

Lawrence Caroff, Consultant to NASA

Larry Caroff conducted research at NASA in astrophysics and infrared astronomy, managed the agency’s program in infrared astronomy, and helped start the NASA Astrobiology Institute. In addition to teaching, he is currently a consultant to NASA.

Dana Backman, Outreach Director, NASA SOFIA

Dana Backman is the Outreach Director for NASA’s SOFIA, the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy. Backman has taught physics and astronomy for more than eighteen years and is co-author of three introductory astronomy textbooks.