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Host: Isaac Newton Institute for Mathematical Sciences
Homepage: http://www.newton.cam.ac.uk/programs/sfu.html
Email: info@newton.cam.ac.uk
Organizers: V. A. Rubakov (Institute for Nuclear Research, Moscow), P. J. Steinhardt, (Pennsylvania), N. G. Turok (Cambridge)
Description:
Understanding how structure emerged in the universe provides one of
today's great scientific challenges. Huge quantities of new astronomical
data, including maps of the cosmic microwave sky fluctuations and of
the distribution of galaxies, are providing stringent constraints on
possible theories. At the same time, the results of new particle physics
experiments are beginning to imply very strong constraints on the
possible nature of the dark matter. The two structure formation theories
investigated in most detail so far involve quantum fluctuations generated
during inflation, and cosmic defects produced at symmetry breaking
phase transitions. Both theories involve physics beyond the standard
model, and if either is proven correct, there will be important
implications for high energy theory.
The programme will begin with discussions of the latest observational data, including the statistical techniques needed to analyse the new data sets, with the aim of fitting the observations together in a coherent framework. Extensions and variants of current theories, as well as entirely novel approaches will then be considered. During the programme, fundamental questions regarding the big bang and inflationary theory will be addressed, as well as connections to string theory and quantum gravity.
Mail Address:
Professor NG Turok DAMTP Silver Street Cambridge CB3 9EW United Kingdom
Date received: February 16, 1999
© 2008 Atlas Conferences Inc.