UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO
Department of Physics and Astronomy
Nuclear, Particle, Astroparticle Physics Seminar
Discussion of Wigmans' Hypothesis
Recent Observations give compelling evidence that the the
expansion of the Universe is accelerating. In classical gravity (GR),
this is predicted by a tiny, but non-zero Cosmological
constant. In quantum field theory, the Cosmological constant
gets re-interpreted as a tiny but non-zero vacuum energy--
so called "dark energy". What is the nature of this dark energy?
It has been proposed, for example, that it might be vary on
cosmological time scales according to some new physics (e.g.
quintessence). On October 8th, Professor Wigmans (TTU) will visit
and try to convince us that there is a less radical alternative: "It's
the neutrinos, stupid!" (see astro-ph/0409033)
Could he be right? We our fortunate to have at UNM one of
the world's leading neutrino theorists,
Prof. Gerard J. Stephenson .
He promises to help guide us in an exciting discussion of the physics
behind Wigmans' idea.
2:00 PM Tuesday , September 28, 2004
NW Conference Room, Physics and Astronomy Building
Northeast corner of Lomas and Yale, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Individuals with
disabilities
in need of an auxiliary aid or service to attend or participate in this
event should contact Marla Wonn at (505) 277-5900 as soon as possible
to
ensure your needs are met in a timely manner. Handouts used at the
event
can be provided in alternative accessible formats upon request. Please
contact Ms. Wonn if you need written information in an alternative
format.
The full schedule of talks for the
Nuclear, Particle, Astroparticle Physics Seminar is available at
http://www-hep.phys.unm.edu/~gold/phys500_f04/schedule.html