Cosmological Dynamics: towards a direct measurement of the expansion history of the Universe
by
Jochen Liske(Universität Hamburg)
→
Europe/Berlin
Rm 2, Bldg 2a (DESY Hamburg)
Rm 2, Bldg 2a
DESY Hamburg
Description
Understanding the origin of the observed late-time acceleration of the Universe's expansion represents one of the most fundamental challenges in current cosmology and even all of physics. Most proposed explanations either involve an exotic form of energy ('dark energy') or else modifications of General Relativity. This provides the motivation for a number of ongoing and proposed observational campaigns and facilities which aim to determine the universal expansion history. In this talk I will review the prospects of performing the first *dynamical* measurement of the expansion using the future 39-m European Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT). With first-light planned for 2024, the E-ELT will be the largest optical and infrared telescope in the world for decades to come. I will introduce the E-ELT and show how it may become the first facility ever that will watch the Universe change in 'real-time'.
