Program

Over the recent decades, findings show the possibility that the atoms and particles we commonly know as matter are just a small portion of the total mass in the universe. Because of their still unknown nature, the dominant forms of matter are called Dark Matter and Dark Energy.

The finding represents a blending of conceptual understanding derived from mathematical reasoning and advanced technology in observations, a high achievement of the human intellect.  Further understanding will require knowledge at the smallest, quantum scales.  While most popular press accounts only emphasize the gravitational anomalies that support this idea, there are also parallel lines of evidence from particle physics and from analysis of the Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation.

We will look first at why scientists think there is dark matter and dark energy, and then why they would not be any form of matter that we currently know. Finally we will look at ideas that might provide an answer.

This program is not intended for children as an audience, but children 12 and older who like astronomy and science may enjoy attending with their parent(s).