Observing the Scaffolding of our Universe through Gravitational Lenses

Guest Speaker

Thursday, 1st September 2022 (19:45 - 22:00)

Venue: Virtual Meeting

Observing the Scaffolding of our Universe through Gravitational Lenses

Our common understanding of the universe is that it consists of roughly 26% Dark Matter,

68% Dark Energy and the remaining 5% is normal matter. While the nature of this dark matter and energy is largely a mystery, observations of our local and primordial universe have allowed cosmologists to develop theoretical models of our universe.

Of these methods of observation Gravitational Lensing is one of the most powerful, and through weak lensing cosmologists can probe the vast scaffolding of the universe, known commonly as the Cosmic Web.

Lyra will introduce the foundations of gravitational lensing and its uses in modern cosmology.

Speaker: Lyra Hawkins

Lyra is an avid stargazer, taking both her name and study from the cosmos and the constellation that is her namesake. She moved to Aberystwyth in 2017 where she studied to become a Master of Astrophysics and has continued her study at Hull University as a PhD student. Lyra is working alongside the Kilo Degree Survey to examine the nature of our universe.

As a self-described queer woman, she is passionate about outreach activities and wishes to

help boost the representation of women and minority groups within academia and make it a

place for everyone to enjoy learning.

Outside of academia Lyra is a martial artist, a teller of terrible jokes and an apprentice

storyteller. When she is not studying the universe, she enjoys reading and telling tales of both mythology and folklore. A passion which has shaped her unique way of presenting.

Learn more about Lyra Hawkins