Schuster Colloquium: From the Cosmic Dawn to the Epoch of Reionization: a Radio Quest for Neutral Hydrogen in the Infant Universe
| Dates: | 26 September 2018 |
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| Times: | 14:30 - 14:30 |
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| What is it: | Lecture |
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| Organiser: | Department of Physics and Astronomy |
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| Who is it for: | University staff, Adults, Alumni, Current University students, General public |
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| Speaker: | Leon Koopmans |
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Abstract: Detection of the redshifted 21-cm signal of neutral hydrogen from the Cosmic Dawn and Epoch of Reionization (EoR) promises a new avenue to study physical processes of early star and galaxy formation during the first billion years of the Universe. These eras form the foundation of our present-day observable universe. The quest for a detection of this 21-cm signal has been exceedingly hard with current radio telescopes, and has not yet been achieved, although steady progress is being made. I will give an overview of what can be learned from observing these early phases of the infant Universe as well as a broad overview of ongoing experiments aiming to detect this feeble signal. In particular, I will provide a status update on the LOFAR EoR Key Science project and the challenges that it and other similar projects are facing. I will show that considerable progress has been made in the last years, but that not all challenges have yet been met. I will end by introducing several exciting new projects that we have recently started, to observe the Cosmic Dawn and the Dark Ages, and give a glimpse of future opportunities with the SKA and HERA.
// What is the Schuster Colloquium?
The Schuster Colloquium takes place about half a dozen times per academic year and is a School-wide event targeting everyone ranging from the undergraduate to the staff level. The aim is to inspire us about Physics while learning about exciting new scientific developments, regardless of one's area of expertise. The talks are therefore meant to be accessible to everyone, and students are particularly encouraged to attend.
// Upcoming Talks
Details of upcoming talks are advertised on our School's website
https://www.physics.manchester.ac.uk/connect/events/
- Oct 17: Prof. James Pinfold (University of Alberta)
- Nov 14: Dr. Kate Shaw (Sussex University)
- Dec 5: Prof. Mark Lancaster (UoM)
Speaker
Leon Koopmans
Role: Professor
Organisation: University of Groningen
Travel and Contact Information
Find event
Rutherford Lecture Theatre
Schuster Building
Manchester
