The University of New Mexico

NEWS RELEASE

 


Contact: Steve Carr, (505) 277-182, scarr@unm.edu

February 1, 2006

UNM Astrophysicist to Present Lecture on 'Dark Matter'

Astrophysicist Dinesh Loomba will present a lecture titled “Shedding Light on Dark Matter” at Regener Hall on UNM's main campus on Saturday, Feb. 11, at 7 p.m. Loomba will review observational evidence and theoretical motivations for dark matter, and will discuss the main experimental techniques for its detection.

In addition, he will describe an experimental effort, currently underway at UNM, and its collaborating institutions, which can detect some important signatures necessary for the discovery of dark matter.

Astronomical measurements suggest that ordinary matter, composed of protons and neutrons, makes up a mere 15 percent of the total mass in the universe. The composition of the remaining mass is a mystery, and its existence can only be inferred through gravitational evidence. The goal of detecting and identifying this 'dark matter' is one of the most important problems in 21st century cosmology.

Loomba is an assistant professor in the physics and astronomy department and a member of the Deep Lens Survey collaboration, which seeks to produce accurate maps of the large-scale structure of the universe.

The lecture, which is free and open to the public, will be held at Regener Hall, located west of Popejoy Hall. For information and a map, visit www.taas.org or call 254-TAAS.

 


The University of New Mexico is the state's largest university, serving more than 32,000 students. UNM is home to the state's only schools of law, medicine, pharmacy and architecture and operates New Mexico's only academic health center. UNM is noted for comprehensive undergraduate programs and research that benefits the state and the nation.

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