Surveying dark energy across the universe – with Ofer Lahav

From The Royal Institution.

Join world-leading scientist Ofer Lahav as he reveals the narrative of the Dark Energy Survey (DES), an ambitious experiment designed to unravel the mysteries of the force shaping our universe.

Watch the Q&A here (exclusively for our Science Supporters):

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

But this remarkable survey doesn’t just advance our scientific understanding – Ofer sheds light on the human dimension of this project, sharing anecdotes of the long-term commitment and collaboration of the hundreds of scientists involved and the resilience they’ve shown in overcoming challenges along the way.

Join Ofer to explore the global nature of scientific progress, where teamwork and perseverance shape groundbreaking discoveries. 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.

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. Having served as the Head of Astrophysics at UCL from 2004 to 2011 and as Vice-Dean (Research) of UCL’s Faculty of Mathematical and Physical Sciences from 2011 to 2015, Oher has played key roles in academic leadership. 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). His multi-faceted roles and groundbreaking research highlight his commitment to advancing the field of observational cosmology and understanding the fundamental properties of the universe.

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