Science Oxford Online

The Missing Universe

Posted by Science Oxford on August 24, 2011 | comments

Only 5% of the universe is made up of atoms. The other 95% is not. So what is it?

Dr Jo Dunkley explores the latest research on the ‘missing’ 95% at Science Oxford Live at 7:30pm on Thursday the 25th of August.

One of the outstanding problems in cosmology is to understand the ‘missing’ 95% of the universe. The familiar atoms we are all made of only make up a small fraction of what we think is out there.

We think that about a quarter of the universe is made of Dark Matter, most likely an undiscovered type of particle that we cannot see, but feels the effect of gravity.

The other 70% is what we call Dark Energy, thought to be a form of energy that has the strange effect of making the expansion of the universe accelerate.

Dr. Jo Dunkley is a lecturer at the University of Oxford and is involved in determining properties of the universe including the nature of Dark Matter and Dark Energy.

Finding out what these are, and coming up with ways to investigate their behaviour, is a central part of current research in cosmology. It brings together research in astrophysics and particle physics, and combines theoretical studies with large international experiments.

Dominic McDonald, Head of Public Engagement at Science Oxford Live, said “I first met Jo in 2006 when she was the keynote speaker for a conference to inspire 13-16 year olds. Six years on she is now a leading figure on the Dark Universe and I am delighted to welcome her to Science Oxford Live.”

Asked about the subject of Thursday’s event, Dominic added
“this is a huge unsolved area. We do not know what the vast majority of the universe is actually made up of. Oxford University is leading research into this and it will be fascinating to hear about this challenging area, including the latest developments, from Jo.”

Emma Wightman, Programmes Delivery Manager at Science Oxford Live, said
“Jo is an exceptional Cosmologist and Astrophysicist and a fantastic role model.”