Astrophysicist Risa Wechsler studies the evolution of the universe. She says that our understanding of how the universe formed and how it will change over time is changing as new technologies for seeing and measuring space come online, like a new high-resolution camera that can quickly map the full sky to see everything that moves, or new spectrographs that will map the cosmos in 3D and enable us to get new clues about the elusive dark matter. You can’t understand the universe or our presence in it until you understand dark matter, Wechsler tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.Episode Reference Links:Risa Wechsler: WebsiteStanford Profile: WebsiteSLAC National Accelerator LaboratoryLegacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) | Rubin ObservatoryDark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI)The SAGA SurveyConnect With Us:Episode Transcripts The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionRuss Altman introduces guest Professor Risa Wechsler, professor of physics, particle physics, and astrophysics from Stanford University.(00:01:46) Tools for Studying the UniverseTechnologies and methods used to study galaxies and the universe, including the Rubin Observatory's Legacy Survey of Space and Time.(00:04:37) Understanding Maps of the UniverseThe concept of mapping the universe in two and three dimensions, the significance of redshifts, and the application of spectroscopy.(00:08:56) The Structure and Scale of the UniverseThe age, expansion, and overall structure of the universe, touching on its isotropic nature and clumpiness on different scales.(00:12:23) Delving into Galaxy Formation and EvolutionAn in-depth look at galaxy formation, the role of dark matter, and how galaxies have evolved over billions of years.(00:14:49) The Diversity of Galaxies and Their StructuresThe various types of galaxies, including satellite and dwarf galaxies, and how they form and evolve differently.(00:18:56) Dark Matter and Dark EnergyThe fundamental aspects of dark matter and dark energy, their role in the universe, and the challenges in studying them.(00:22:32) Mapping the Universe with Modern ToolsHow current technologies and methods contribute to our understanding of the universe’s expansion and structure(00:24:57) Applying Cosmic UnderstandingThe SAGA Survey and its implications for understanding the Milky Way in a broader cosmic context.(00:29:29) Conclusion Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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