Unravel the mysteries of the universe with York U scientists

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TORONTO, Tuesday, October 10, 2017 – York University scientists will share secrets of the universe, a vast and mysterious place that pushes the boundaries of imagination, at the Faculty of Science and Toronto Public Library speaker series.

Chronicles of a Peculiar Universe

Watch / share video: https://youtu.be/zYU6CXz_mS4

 

The series will run from Oct. 11 to Nov. 14 with speakers talking about everything from quasars and dark matter to the possibility of life on another planet.

  • Quasar, Quasar, Burning Bright, Oct. 11, from 6:30 to 7:30pm, Danforth/Coxwell Branch
    Professor Patrick Hall of the Faculty of Science talking about the brightest objects in our Universe, how they are formed and how they tap the strong gravity of black holes. Quasars contain rotating disks as big as our solar system and hotter than the Sun.
  • How to Get to Mars, Oct. 12, from 6:30 to 7:30pm, Lillian H. Smith Branch
    For decades, NASA has been sending orbiters, landers and rovers to Mars and other planets within our solar system for research and exploration, providing a window onto strange new worlds. Professor John Moores of the Lassonde School of Engineering will provide an overview of our past, present and future planetary exploration mission.
  • The Social Habits of Galaxies, Oct. 17, from 7 to 8pm, S. Walter Stewart Branch & Nov. 16, from 7 to 8pm, Don Mills Branch
    Most galaxies enjoy the company of other galaxies and organize into various shapes known as the “cosmic web.” Many of them also like to spin. PhD student George Conidis of the Faculty of Science, will examine copies our own galaxy, The Milky Way, and its friends to better understand the social habits of disk galaxies and how they spin.
  • The Secrets of Our Dark Universe, Nov. 11, from 2 to 3pm, Brentwood Branch
    Most of our Universe is made up of dark matter and dark energy, but so far scientists have had a hard time detecting or explaining them. PhD student Alexandra Terrana of the Faculty of Science will explore some of the big open questions in cosmology, what dark matter and energy are, and how an alternative theory of gravity might solve these mysteries.
  • Is Anyone Home? Nov. 14, from 6:30 to 7:30pm, Barbara Frum Branch
    Since 1995 thousands of planets have been detected orbiting other stars. Many of these worlds could possibly contain liquid water and even life. Professor Paul Delaney of the Faculty of Science will describe our current understanding of exoplanets, the ongoing search for them and the implications for the search for life.

Watch / share video: https://youtu.be/zYU6CXz_mS4

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York University is known for championing new ways of thinking that drive teaching and research excellence. Our students receive the education they need to create big ideas that make an impact on the world. Meaningful and sometimes unexpected careers result from cross-discipline programming, innovative course design and diverse experiential learning opportunities. York students and graduates push limits, achieve goals and find solutions to the world’s most pressing social challenges, empowered by a strong community that opens minds. York U is an internationally recognized research university – our 11 faculties and 26 research centres have partnerships with 200+ leading universities worldwide. Located in Toronto, York is the third largest university in Canada, with a strong community of 53,000 students, 7,000 faculty and administrative staff, and more than 295,000 alumni. York U's fully bilingual Glendon campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education.

Media Contacts:

Sandra McLean, York University Media Relations, 416-736-2100 ext. 22097, sandramc@yorku.ca