Steward Observatory/NSF’s NOIRLab Joint Colloquium Series: Large Scale Structure from Microphysics

Dr. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein,  University of New Hampshire

When

3:30 to 4:30 a.m., Feb. 18, 2021

Where

Abstract:  In this talk, I will describe my efforts to understand the nature of the mysterious dark matter. I provide an overview of the general problem and then describe my current approach to it, which is to characterize the behavior of a proposed dark matter particle, the axion. I will give some insight into how I am using a range of tools -- model building, computation, and high energy astrophysics -- to get at the basic question of “what is the statistical mechanics of axion dark matter?” I will discuss work that shows that the self-interaction should not be ignored and that the sign of the interaction makes a significant difference in the evolution of the system, both for QCD axions and fuzzy dark matter.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you would like to meet with Chanda, please email her directly at chanda.prescod-weinstein@unh.edu to schedule a meeting. 

Graduate students will meet with the colloquium speaker for lunch on Thursday, February 18th, at 1:00 PM. (MST) via Zoom at:

https://arizona.zoom.us/j/82002277050