Dec 8, 21st Kavli IPMU/ICRR joint public lecture "The Forefront of Universe Exploration"

October 26, 2019
Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe (Kavli IPMU)

 

On December 8, 2019, the University of Tokyo's Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe, and the Institute for Cosmic Ray Research will present a joint public lecture (in Japanese and English) "The Forefront of Universe Exploration". The event, which is the 21st of its kind, will take place in the Yasuda Auditorium of the University of Tokyo's Hongo Campus.


Summary


Title: The Forefront of Universe Exploration
Date & Time: 13:00 - 16:00 (doors open 12:30), December 8, 2019
Venue: Yasuda Auditorium (Hongo campus, University of Tokyo)
     15 min walk from Todaimae station (Tokyo Metro Namboku line)
     15 min walk from Nezu station (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda line)
     10 min walk from Hongo-sanchome station (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi line, Toei Oedo line)
Recommended age: Junior high school level and above
Admission: Free
Seats: 700 (Pre-registration is required. Registration will close when numbers surpass venue capacity)
Registration: Registration form (registration closes Dec 2)
Host: Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe (Kavli IPMU), Institute for Cosmic Ray Research (ICRR)
Contact us: TEL: 04-7136-5981  Email: koukai-kouza_at_ipmu.jp (Kavli IPMU Public Relations office)
* Please change "_at_" to @


Program


13:05-13:50 

Super-Kamiokande Upgrade: Exploring the Universe 1000m Below Ground

ICRR Associate Professor Hiroyuki Sekiya

The Universe is immersed in neutrinos and dark matter. It is thought to have been around since the beginning of the Universe, today, and will continue to do so in the future, playing a very important role. The Super-Kamiokande detector is currently undergoing refurbishments to add rare earth metal gadolinium, which will improve the quality of the detector. We aim to be the detect neutrinos dispersed from supernova explosions that have occurred in the past. In nature, these phenomena have remained hidden from us, and therefore have required us to think up of un-natural solutions. I will talk about the unique research being carried out at Kamioka.


13:55-14:40 

Searching for the Net to Trap Dark Matter

Project Assistant Professor Tom Melia

Dark Matter is a theorist's dream: one simple modification to our theory of the cosmos explains hugely different phenomena, from the motion of stars in galaxies to tiny distortions in the echos left over from the Big Bang. But Dark Matter is an experimentalist's nightmare: trying to 'catch' it in laboratories on Earth has been unsuccessful for decades. But are we using the right 'net'? How do we know what the right net should be? And how do we make new nets? These questions are the subject of my talk.

* Simultaneous translation will be available.


15:00-15:30 

Discussion "The Forefront of Universe Exploration" Hiroyuki Sekiya & Tom Melia

A conversation between a researcher who deals with the observation and experimental side of science, and another who works in the theoretical side of science.

* Simultaneous translation will be available


15:30-16:00 

Ask a Scientist!

Both speakers will answer questions from the audience.