How computer models help us understand the universe - with Andrew Pontzen

Video Description

How can scientists study the past, present and future of the cosmos? Find out how computers can help. Buy Andrew's book 'The Universe in a Box' here: https://geni.us/ZSw45d Watch the Q&A for this lecture (exclusively for YouTube Channel Members): https://youtu.be/tvf7e3YVzaQ This lecture was recorded at the Ri on 5 February 2024. Join Professor of Cosmology and science communicator Andrew Pontzen as he uncovers how intricate computer codes have unlocked our understanding of the universe – from galaxies and black holes to the very essence of matter itself. Simulations have also revolutionized our understanding of the cosmos, shedding new light on the universe's multifaceted complexities. They are the windows through which we peer into the hidden dimensions of space, guiding us through a journey from the phenomenon of cosmic redshift, which unveiled the universe's accelerating expansion, to the ethereal concept of dark matter, a substance that traverses solid rock as if it were a ghostly apparition. But of course, none of these breakthroughs would be possible without the tireless efforts of scientists, whose brilliant minds persist to push the boundaries of knowledge. Join Andrew on a journey through space and time, with science, simulations and unrelenting human curiosity as your guides. 00:00 Introduction 2:20 What we can observe in the universe? 7.28 Dark matter and dark energy 9.27 Gravitational lensing 12:08 Looking back in time at the universe 14:47 The role of gravity and dark matter 16:21 The history of computing in physics 22:12 Weather forecasts, cosmology, and initial conditions 28:09 Using computers to predict the weather 35:22 Early models of our universe from physicists 42:34 Predicting our changing climate 45:02 Using computer simulations for cosmology 55:32 Are we living inside a copmuter simulation? Andrew Pontzen is a professor of cosmology at University College London. He has written for the New Scientist, BBC Sky at Night and BBC Science Focus; lectured at the Royal Institution; appeared on BBC, Amazon Prime and Discovery Channel documentaries; and contributed to BBC Radio 4 programmes including Inside Science and The Curious Cases of Rutherford & Fry. Computer simulations are a major part of his research which spans cosmology, physics and computation. The Ri is on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ri_science and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/royalinstitution and TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ri_science Listen to the Ri podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ri-science-podcast Donate to the RI and help us bring you more lectures: https://www.rigb.org/support-us/donate-ri Our editorial policy: https://www.rigb.org/editing-ri-talks-and-moderating-comments Subscribe for the latest science videos: http://bit.ly/RiNewsletter Product links on this page may be affiliate links which means it won't cost you any extra but we may earn a small commission if you decide to purchase through the link.