Maunakea Skies Talk: Cracking the Code of Existence

Real progress is being made in the remarkable yet notoriously difficult task of cracking the code of existence itself through advanced mathematics, physics and astronomy. New knowledge streaming from Maunakea’s summit is an essential part of this epic quest.

Dr. Doug Simons, Executive Director of Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope will delve into “precision cosmology,” a term he describes would have earned a chuckle from fellow astronomers when used not long ago. Cosmology studies the structure, evolution and origin of the entire Universe, and requires observations of objects near the edge of the visible Universe—making it increasingly difficult to make real progress. For centuries cosmology measurements have been notoriously incorrect, but times have changed. Measurements made over the past decade, including those using instruments on Maunakea, give real merit to the term “precision cosmology.”

Interwoven with the marvels of precision cosmology, Dr. Simons will also share perspectives about the conflict over Maunakea and the challenges between science and culture. This misperception is easily challenged by probing far deeper than terms like ‘sacred’ or ‘science’ allow. These polarizing comfort zones melt away when confronted by fundamental truths spawned not by people, but nature.