How can we map the universe and its galaxies? What is the evidence for the existence of dark matter and dark energy? And how was Einstein's theory of general relativity proven by modern technology?

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In this talk, Chris Clarkson describes how cosmological studies are mapping the vast cosmic web of galaxies at scales previously only possible in computer simulations. Deciphering this delicate web will reveal not only the nature of the Big Bang itself, but also the essence of dark energy—and with it, the future of the Universe.

This conference was recorded at Ri on April 25, 2023.

00:00 Introduction
01:58 Mapping our solar system and galaxy
8:16 Looking at other galaxies
13:08 Mapping the universe using galaxy surveys
15:32 What does the entire universe look like?
23:22 A timeline of the evolution of the universe
25:42 How do we know what the universe looks like?
27:28 Einstein's theory of gravity
30:28 Spacetime bends and shifts
33:40 Black holes predicted by Einstein
35:35 Gravitational waves
37:58 The universe is expanding – how fast?
40:02 The proof of dark matter
41:48 Evidence for the existence of dark energy
43:35 How much is the universe expanding over time?
45:01 How can we explain the structure of the universe?
53:18 The Mystery of Dark Energy and Dark Matter
56:33 Inflation at the Big Bang
57:39 The Next Generation of Investigations

Chris Clarkson is a cosmologist working at Queen Mary University of London. He works primarily on the theory of the large-scale structure of the universe, but has also worked on many aspects of gravity and cosmology, including the Big Bang, gravitational waves and black holes. He is currently Head of the Astronomy Unit at QMUL, having previously worked at the University of Cape Town as Head of the Cosmology Group. He studied for his PhD in Glasgow long ago and has done postdoctoral positions in Canada, South Africa and the UK.

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