Monday, February 2, 2009 Joint Physics Colloquium, 4:30 PM, 104 Thaw Hall, PITT

Prof. August (Gus) Evrard

Arthur F. Thurnau Professor of Physics and Astronomy, University of Michigan

"Computing the Cosmos: A Status Report"

Abstract:

Numerical simulation of the gravitational growth of large-scale structure has played a key role in establishing the standard model of cosmology, in which stars, galaxies and you and I emerge from amplified quantum noise.  In this talk, I will review recent progress and near-term challenges for computational cosmology, with special emphasis on the role of baryons as well as dark energy studies using the largest bound cosmic structures, clusters of galaxies.