AOF Activities & Events

The Hubble Constant Controversy

The Hubble constant, one of the most important numbers in cosmology, it tells us how fast the universe is expanding, which can be used to determine the age of the universe and its history. It gets its name from UChicago alum Edwin Hubble, who was first to calculate the constant from his measurements of stars in 1929.

But despite nearly a hundred years of astronomical measurements and calculations, scientists still can’t agree on the exact value of the Hubble constant. The true number could reveal missing pieces in our understanding of physics, like new particles or a new form of dark energy.

Our speaker is Liam McDaid, professor of Physics, Astronomy & Geology at the Sac City College campus, Bachelor of Science in Astronomy (Penn State), Master of Science in Astronomy (New Mexico State), Master of Arts in History (Sam Houston State), Master of Science in Physics (New Mexico State), and a total brainbox. Since growing up in Philadelphia, he always had a passion for astronomy. At New Mexico State, he was fortunate enough to share an office with Clyde Tombaugh, the discoverer of the planet Pluto! In graduate school he moonlighted part-time as a stand-up comic -- "until I had a bottle thrown at me and decided to stop,” he says.

Now Liam will guide you through peaks and precipices of the starry wisdom. Don't miss this exciting presentation.