PI Public Lecture Series:
Title: A New View on Gravity and the Dark Side of the Cosmos
Abstract: Are we standing on the brink of a new scientific revolution that will radically change our views on the very nature of space, time and gravity?
In most circumstances, the theories of Einstein and Newton adequately describe gravity. But on cosmological scales, big questions arise, particularly regarding the nature of dark matter and dark energy.
These questions are ushering in a revolution in theoretical physics - a completely new view on spacetime and gravity. Research in string theory and black hole physics, involving key concepts of quantum information theory, reveals a deep connection between the structure of spacetime and the origin of gravity.
This research suggests that gravity is not a fundamental force of nature, but rather an emergent phenomenon, similar to how temperature is an emergent phenomenon that arises from the movement of particles.
In this view, gravity is a side-effect, not a cause, of what happens in the universe.
In his October 4 public lecture at Perimeter Institute, Dr. Erik Verlinde (University of Amsterdam) will explore the core ideas behind this research, and examine the implications of this fast-emerging revolution in our understanding of the universe.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Attendance to the lecture is free, but advance tickets are required. Due to the overwhelming response to past lectures, tickets will be honoured until 6:45 pm only. If you have not arrived by 6:45 pm your reservation may be filled by guests in our waiting line, and you may be asked to join the end of the waiting line.