An Expanding Universe, Dark Matter, and Dark Energy -- What Does It All Mean?

Feb 3: A review of basic concepts of astronomy exploring methods used to measure distance, light, and how we analyze light. These explorations help our understanding of the Universe. Basics of gravity and its utilization are investigated to help us understand dark matter and dark energy.

Feb 18: We explore properties of the Milky Way, how stars are formed, and what happens when they die. This ensuing conversation will lead to a more scientific description and explain the existence of dark matter.

Feb 25:   We will discuss the properties which led to the formation and evolution of the Universe. Topics of discussion: The Big Bang, Cosmic Microwave Background, and the acceleration of the Universe. Also discussed: how these phenomena help us understand the existence of dark matter.

Bio: Dr. Ata Sarajedini is currently the Björn Lamborn Endowed Chair in Astrophysics at Florida Atlantic University (FAU). He received his Ph.D. in Astronomy from Yale University and spent five years as a postdoctoral researcher and a Hubble Fellow at Kitt Peak National Observatory near Tucson, Arizona and San Francisco State University.