What is empty space? :
the physics of dark energy
Chris Blake
(Swinburne University)
Our place
current
in model
the Universe
of cosmology
Local cluster
Local group
Milky Way
The Universe
Earth
Solar system
No such thing as nothing : the Casimir effect
S. Harris Astronomy Cartoons
What does a cosmologist do?
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Move your mouse pointer over the thumbnails on the left to display the cartoons.
Copyright © 2006 by Sidney Harris. No reproduction other than for personal enjoyment without written permission.
Our current picture of the Universe
The Universe is expanding ...
... and the expansion is speeding up ! ...
... driven by an unknown “dark energy”
My research : galaxy maps
Making the map : redshift
Australia is a world-leader in this science !
Our observations
You are
here
Our result : new evidence for dark energy
After 5 years
of work ...
Is dark energy the quantum vacuum energy?
Measured dark energy density = 10-26 kg m-3
Predicted vacuum energy density = 10+96 kg m-3
“The worst prediction in the history of physics”
In that case , what is dark energy?
New laws of gravity?
Extra dimensions?
New cosmic materials?
Good prospects for the future
Square Kilometre Array radio telescope ...
Thank you ...