Ticketed

Essential Information

Type Talks and tours
Location
Date and Times Monday 10 February 2025 | 7.15pm
Prices Flamsteed Members: FREE | Guests of Flamsteed Members: £15 | Royal Museums Greenwich Members: £12

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The Dark Energy Survey (DES) is an ambitious experiment designed to unravel the mysteries of the force shaping our universe. The DES not only helps to reveal the mysteries of dark energy but also highlights the collective dedication and collaborative spirit that fuels scientific exploration.

This talk will discuss what the 3D map spanning 300 million galaxies and extensive supernovae has revealed so far; including its confirmation of the prevailing model of cold dark matter and a remarkably accurate cosmological constant.  

We will also explore the global nature of scientific progress, where teamwork and perseverance shape groundbreaking discoveries. 

Meet the speaker

Ofer Lahav holds the Perren Chair of Astronomy at University College London (UCL) and is Vice-Dean (International) of the UCL Faculty of Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MAPS). 

Additionally, he co-directs the STFC Centre for Doctoral Training in Data Intensive Science. Specialising in Observational Cosmology, Lahav focuses on probing Dark Matter and Dark Energy, utilising Machine Learning for Big Data applications. Ofer was the Head of Astrophysics at UCL from 2004 to 2011 and Vice-Dean (Research) of UCL's Faculty of Mathematical and Physical Sciences from 2011 to 2015. 

He served as Vice-President of the Royal Astronomical Society from 2010 to 2012 and played a pivotal role in founding the Dark Energy Survey (DES).

The doors will open at 6.30pm, ready for the event to start at 7.15pm.

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Main image: Observations at Night © Jakob Sahner, shortlisted in Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2024