Astrophysicist Risa Wechsler studies the evolution of the universe. She says that our understanding of how the universe formed and how it will change over time is changing as new technologies for seeing and measuring space come online, like a new high-resolution camera that can quickly map the full sky to see everything that moves, or new spectrographs that will map the cosmos in 3D and enable us to get new clues about the elusive dark matter. You can’t understand the universe or our presence in it until you understand dark matter, Wechsler tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.

Episode Reference Links:

• Risa Wechsler: Website
• Stanford Profile: Website
• SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory
• Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) | Rubin Observatory
• Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI)
• The SAGA Survey

Connect With Us:

• Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website
• Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon
• Connect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Russ Altman introduces guest Professor Risa Wechsler, professor of physics, particle physics, and astrophysics from Stanford University.

(00:01:46) Tools for Studying the Universe

Technologies and methods used to study galaxies and the universe, including the Rubin Observatory's Legacy Survey of Space and Time.

(00:04:37) Understanding Maps of the Universe

The concept of mapping the universe in two and three dimensions, the significance of redshifts, and the application of spectroscopy.

(00:08:56) The Structure and Scale of the Universe

The age, expansion, and overall structure of the universe, touching on its isotropic nature and clumpiness on different scales.

(00:12:23) Delving into Galaxy Formation and Evolution

An in-depth look at galaxy formation, the role of dark matter, and how galaxies have evolved over billions of years.

(00:14:49) The Diversity of Galaxies and Their Structures

The various types of galaxies, including satellite and dwarf galaxies, and how they form and evolve differently.

(00:18:56) Dark Matter and Dark Energy

The fundamental aspects of dark matter and dark energy, their role in the universe, and the challenges in studying them.

(00:22:32) Mapping the Universe with Modern Tools

How current technologies and methods contribute to our understanding of the universe’s expansion and structure

(00:24:57) Applying Cosmic Understanding

The SAGA Survey and its implications for understanding the Milky Way in a broader cosmic context.

(00:29:29) Conclusion

Connect With Us:

Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website

Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon

Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook