The Dark Universe
Prof. Alexandre Refregier, Institute for Particle Physics and Astrophysics, ETH
Recent progress in observations have shown that our universe is dominated by two mysterious components called dark matter and dark energy. Under the action of gravity, they hold the universe together but also pulls it apart. The nature of these ingredients is unknown and poses some of the most pressing questions in fundamental science today. Yet, several new large experiments aim to shed light on these mysteries. We will describe the properties of these dark components and explain how they differ from ordinary matter. We will then show how they affect the evolution of our universe and how scientists are shedding light on their dark nature with new telescopes.