Tufts/CfA/MIT Cosmology Seminar, at MIT:

Tuesday, April 29, 2003
2:30 pm
Kolker Room (Room 26-414)
Refreshments at 2:00, same location

"Gravitational Leakage into Extra Dimensions: How the sun can shed light on dark energy"


Arthur Lue
Case Western University

Abstract:

Theories suggesting that the universe may indeed contain dimensions beyond the three that we observe have recently captured the imagination of physicists and the public alike. The braneworld model of Dvali-Gabadadze-Porrati poses that we are oblivious to these extra dimensions because gravity leaks excruciatingly slowly off our three-dimensional universe. Cosmology in this model has been shown to support both "conventional" and exotic explanations of the dark energy responsible for today's cosmic acceleration. I present new results suggesting how, in this theory, local measurements of gravity (e.g., within the solar system) can be sensitive to that cosmology, and point out how imminent improvements in solar system ranging experiments and future satellite missions at the end of the decade are poised to observe, or rule out, the discussed effects.

Return to Joint Cosmology Seminar home page.