7-19-05
Astronomy Open House Explores Puzzling “Dark Matter”
On Wednesday, July 27, Penn State Behrend will host a summertime Open House Night in Astronomy titled “Dark Matter in the Universe.” The lecture will be given by Dr. Roger Knacke, professor of physics and astronomy, at 8:30 p.m. in Room 101 of the Otto Behrend Science Building.
For almost seventy years, astronomers have known there must be “dark matter” in the universe, a mysterious substance that gives off no light and is hidden from our view. Remarkably, the universe contains vastly more dark matter than familiar visible matter, such as stars and galaxies.
The nature of the dark matter is one of the longest-standing puzzles in astronomy. Today, with new observations and techniques, we are at last getting clues as to what it might be. These clues are telling us that the enigmatic dark matter must consist of new and exotic substances whose properties we don’t understand yet.
Dr. Knacke’s lecture is free and open to the public. The level of presentation will be suitable for a non-technical audience. Astronomical observing at Behrend College’s Mehalso Observatory will follow the lecture, weather permitting. For more information, call 898-6105.