WAUKESHA – As part of the University of Wisconsin-Waukesha Distinguished Lecturer series, Robert Kirshner will speak on “The Runaway Universe: Dark Energy Run Amok?” Monday, March 10, at 7 p.m. in the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, located in the Fine Arts Center on campus at 1500 N. University Dr., Waukesha.

A Harvard University professor of astronomy and the associate director of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, Kirshner and his research team discovered that the expansion of the universe is accelerating under the influence of dark energy that makes space itself expand. He shares that discovery in his award-winning book, The Extravagant Universe: Exploding Stars, Dark Energy, and the Accelerating Cosmos (Princeton University Press, 2002).

Kirshner’s method of measuring dark energy pointed to a gaping hole in our understanding of fundamental physics. In 1917, Einstein proposed the “cosmological constant” to explain a static universe. When observations proved that the universe was expanding, however, he cast this early form of dark energy aside. But recent observations confirmed that the cosmological constant – or something just like it – dominates the universe’s mass and energy budget and determines its fate and shape.

Even though he is one of the world’s leading astronomers, Kirshner presents his concepts in whimsical, down-to-earth terms that audiences can grasp. Boston Magazine featured him as one of its “Nutty Professors” in a 1998 article, and he has videotaped a series on “Cosmic Questions” for The Teaching Company. 

The lecture is sponsored by the campus Lectures & Fine Arts Committee, and the public is welcome. Tickets are $6 and can be purchased at the door starting at 6:15 p.m. or by phoning (262) 521-5212. There is free parking in all university lots as well as on the street.

UW-Waukesha has the largest enrollment among the 13 freshman-sophomore University of Wisconsin Colleges campuses, offering associate of arts & science degrees and the best start on a college degree and unlimited career opportunities. For information about programs, admission or financial aid, contact the Student Services office at 888-2UW-WAUK (888-289-9285) or visit the Web at waukesha.uwc.edu.

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