Abstract:
In Search of Cosmic Dawn
Bob Abraham, University of Toronto

Prof. Abraham will describe humanity's search for the very first stars and galaxies which formed in the Universe. Our Universe was born in fantastic energy at the instant of the Big Bang, yet the first product of this moment of creation was a fairly drab Universe resembling a nearly featureless cloud of gas. This early Universe contained none of the richness and complexity that marks the present Cosmos: it was devoid of galaxies, devoid of stars, devoid of planets, devoid of even the basic chemistry that makes any of these things possible, and certainly devoid of life. This cosmic Dark Age was brought to an abrupt end by the onset of First Light, a sort-of cosmic Renaissance initiated by the formation of the first luminous objects in the Universe. The talk will describe how First Light led to the complex and rich Universe we see around us, through cycles of cosmic birth, death and rebirth, leading ultimately to intelligent life itself.

Media Releases for:
In Search of Cosmic Dawn
Bob Abraham, University of Toronto

University of Toronto News Media Advisory
ILLUMINATING THE DARKNESS: LECTURE EXPLORES DAWN OF COSMOS

University of Toronto professor Bob Abraham will report on the search for the very first stars and galaxies that lit up the baby universe some 13 billion years ago at the final public lecture of the series Cosmic Frontiers: Celebrating a Century of Astronomy at the University of Toronto on Friday, Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. in Convocation Hall, 31 King's College Circle...

Abstract:
Beyond Einstien: The Dark Side of the Universe
Rocky Kolb, University of Chicago

The discoveries of Albert Einstein rank among humanity's greatest achievements. His theory predicts the emergence of the universe from a big bang and the possibility that space itself has a "weight." Recent observations seem to confirm these amazing predictions. Yet, his theory cannot answer two profound questions:

1. what is the dark matter holding together our galaxy?
2. what is the dark energy pulling apart our universe?

Media Releases for:
Beyond Einstien: The Dark Side of the Universe
Rocky Kolb, University of Chicago

University of Toronto News Media Advisory
EXPOSING THE UNIVERSE’S DARK SIDE: LECTURE
Professor Rocky Kolb, author and astronomy luminary, will offer an entertaining peek into the history and future of the cosmos as part of the public lecture series Cosmic Frontiers: Celebrating a Century of Astronomy at the University of Toronto on Friday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. in Convocation Hall, 31 King's College Circle...

Abstract:
Way Too Cool: Tales of Stellar Corpses
David Helfand, Columbia University

On an early August evening in 1181 AD, Chinese astrologers were shocked to find a brilliant new star in the sky, outshining all the others. They recorded it as a "sign of ill-omen". Modern astronomers, studying the site of this apparition are considerably more sanguine. The explosion witnessed by the Chinese has left behind a dense, spinning neutron star whose temperature may hold the key to understanding the atomic nucleus. The lecture will show how observing this stellar corpse 10,000 light years away reveals new insights into that structure of matter at its smallest scale.

Media Releases for:
Way Too Cool: Tales of Stellar Corpses
David Helfand, Columbia University

University of Toronto News Media Advisory

EXPLODING STARS SHINE LIGHT ON STRUCTURE OF MATTER: LECTURE

Renowned astronomy professor David Helfand will explain how the strange corpses of exploded massive stars could shed light on the tiniest particles of matter during the public lecture series Cosmic Frontiers: Celebrating a Century of Astronomy at the University of Toronto on Friday, Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. in Convocation Hall, 31 King's College Circle...

Abstract:
Quest for Other Worlds and Prospects of Life
Debra Fischer, San Francisco State University

After a century of searching, the first planets outside our solar system were discovered 10 years ago. With a census of more than 150, these new worlds offer us some surprising insights into our own solar system. In this lecture, you'll learn:

1. how these extrasolar planets were discovered
2. whether astronomers now think that all stars host planetary systems
3. how these other solar systems compare with our own
4. about the implications for the existence of life in the galaxy

Most of the known extrasolar planets are similar to Jupiter and Saturn, the big planets in our solar system. But, the race to discover Earthlike planets is now in full swing and it is likely that terrestrial worlds will be discovered in the next decade. This talk will set the stage for these coming attractions!

Media Releases for:
Quest for Other Worlds and Prospects of Life
Debra Fischer, San Francisco State University

University of Toronto News Media Advisory
SEARCHING FOR OTHER WORLDS AND LIFE BEYOND: LECTURE

Professor Debra Fischer, the astronomer who discovered the first multi-planet system other than our own solar system, will discuss the likelihood of life in the great beyond during the public lecture series Cosmic Frontiers: Celebrating a Century of Astronomy at the University of Toronto on Friday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. in Convocation Hall, 31 King's College Circle...