Physics & Astronomy - Cosmology Talk - McCullen Sandora, Tufts University

Title: "Habitability in the Multiverse"

February 8, 2018
2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Location
Wilder 202
Sponsored by
Physics & Astronomy Department
Audience
Public
More information
Tressena Manning
603-646-2854

Abstract: In a multiverse setup, we expect to inhabit a universe especially capable of supporting life. Utilizing this expectation to its fullest potential requires a thorough understanding of the requirements for life, which are still incompletely known. For this purpose, advances in the science of habitability will allow us to make progress in the field of fundamental physics, and vice-versa. Investigating the dependence on physical parameters of characteristics of our universe such as plate tectonics, core and mantle composition, biological homochirality, and photosynthesis, among others, can allow us to make predictions for which locales are expected to provide the conditions to host complex life. Conversely, discovering where complex life is capable of existing will allow us to infer which physical parameters must be environmentally selected, and indeed whether the multiverse hypothesis is correct. This interplay between fundamental physics and the emerging science of habitability promises to lead to fruitful advances on both fronts.

Location
Wilder 202
Sponsored by
Physics & Astronomy Department
Audience
Public
More information
Tressena Manning
603-646-2854