2007 Einstein lectures set for Dec. 9-10

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Jonathan Gardner, chief of the Observational Cosmology Lab at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., explores the beginning and end of the universe and plans for the Hubble telescope successor in two free, open lectures Dec. 9-10.

On Sunday, Dec. 9 at 4 p.m. Gardner’s talk, The beginning and the end of the universe, will give an overview of cosmology, outlining the history of the universe and the rapid progress in this field during the past decade. In particular he will examine cosmological inflation, the rapid accelerated expansion that marks the beginning of the universe and dark energy, a tenuous substance that overcomes gravity with properties that determine its fate. This lecture will be in the Hill University Center Alumni Auditorium and is open to the public. Refreshments will be served at 3:30 p.m.

On Monday, Dec. 10 at 11 a.m., Gardner will talk about Finding our origins with the Hubble and James Webb space telescopes. Along with the origin and evolution of galaxies, he will trace knowledge gained with Hubble to the present day, and he will discuss plans for its successor, the James Webb Space telescope, scheduled to launch in 2013. It is designed to find the first galaxies that formed in the distant past and to penetrate the dusty clouds of gas from which stars still are forming today. He will compare Webb to Hubble and discuss recent progress in the construction of the observatory. This lecture is at the Spencer Honors House and seating is limited to 120 UAB students and faculty.

For more information, call Perry Gerakines at 934-8064.