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Masters of the Cosmos

Sunday, June 1, 2014
9:00 am - 12:30 pm

Many practitioners have christened ours the golden age of cosmology. Once a field founded on speculation, cosmology has become a data-driven science in which theories of the universe’s origin and evolution must now account for detailed and precise observations. We’ve assembled some of the world’s most celebrated leaders in developing such theories, for an intense half-day program aimed at the serious enthusiast who seeks an immersion that goes beyond a popular-level presentation. Modeled on World Science U, the just-launched digital initiative of the World Science Festival, this live program is a rare opportunity to learn from the very scientists who have shaped our generation’s most lasting contributions to cosmological thought.

Please note: While this program does not have formal prerequisites, a portion of the material presented will make use of algebra and basic calculus. Doors open at 8:30 AM. 

Participants

Alan GuthCosmologist

Alan Guth is a professor of physics at MIT, and world-renowned for his discovery of inflationary cosmology, the dominant cosmological paradigm for over two decades. His current research focuses on developing mathematical tools for quantitatively analyzing inflation’s suggestion that there are an infinite number of universes.

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Andrei LindeCosmologist

Andrei Linde is a professor of physics at Stanford University, one of the authors of the inflationary theory and the theory of inflationary multiverse. He invented the theory of chaotic inflation, which is the most general version of inflationary cosmology. Linde also helped to develop the theory of eternal chaotic inflation, and the mechanism of vacuum stabilization in string theory.

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Michael TurnerTheoretical Astrophysicist, Cosmologist

Theoretical astrophysicist Michael S. Turner is a recognized figure in pioneering the interdisciplinary field of particle astrophysics and cosmology, for which he shared the 2010 Dannie Heineman Prize. In collaboration with Edward Kolb, he initiated the Fermilab astrophysics program.

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