This is a past event.

Please join us at the Michigan Tech Research Forum on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, for a presentation by Distinguished Professor Petra Huentemeyer (Physics) titled Viewing our Universe through the Gamma-Ray Window

Abstract:

Significant advancements in electronics, computing, and communication technology have led to remarkable improvements in the sensitivity and image resolution of sky surveys using ground-based gamma-ray detector arrays. This has led to groundbreaking, sometimes paradigm-shifting discoveries in astrophysics and unprecedented tests of fundamental laws of physics governing our Universe at the extremes. Among the goals of the research involving the observation of gamma rays from space are tackling fundamental questions such as the location and nature of dark matter and testing the limits of invariance that is required by special relativity. To this end, we plan to build a next-generation gamma-ray observatory in the Southern Hemisphere, with an unprecedented view of the Galactic Center. I will describe the research & design and other preparations going into constructing such a facility and how sufficient funding support can only be secured through an international collaboration of science communities across the globe.

The Distinguished Lecture Series started in Fall 2016, honors faculty for their research impact. Distinguished Lecturers are selected for their ability to increase the knowledge of our community by connecting their research with societal and community concerns. Topics are broad, spanning all colleges and schools at Michigan Tech.

Please note this event will start 15 minutes earlier than usual. The presentation will start at 4:15 instead of 4:30. 

Speaker details are coming soon; please save the date!