The Undiscovery of Cosmic Deceleration - Robert P. Kirshner - Radcliffe Institute

Explore the unexpected discovery of cosmic acceleration in this captivating lecture by Robert P. Kirshner, Clowes Research Professor of Science at Harvard University. Delve into the fascinating journey of a scientist who set out to measure the deceleration of the universe's expansion, only to uncover evidence of its acceleration. Learn about the groundbreaking implications of this finding, which has been confirmed through multiple observations and attributed to the mysterious "dark energy" that dominates the universe. Gain insights into the historical context of this discovery, from Galileo to Einstein, and understand how it challenges our understanding of physics. Examine the roles of key figures like Henrietta Swan Leavitt and Edwin Hubble in shaping our comprehension of the cosmos. Investigate concepts such as dark matter, supernovae, and the Hubble Space Telescope's contributions to our knowledge. Discover how this revelation has reshaped our view of the universe's history and composition, highlighting the dominance of unseen forces like dark energy and dark matter.