Coming Events

Abstract

Space gamma-ray astronomy was born at MIT more than half century ago. A few gamma-ray satellites operated since then, in particular the most recent Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, have proved the great potential of studying astrophysics, cosmology, and fundamental physics through the gamma-ray sky. While searching for potential gamma-ray signal of dark matter particle toward the Galactic Center, we discovered a pair of gigantic bubbles in the Milky Way, probably associated with past activities of the central supermassive black hole. Indirect search of dark matter particles with gamma-ray and cosmic-ray observations have further motivated a few future space telescopes, including DAMPE, HERD, and PANGU. Together with the next generation of ground-based Cherenkov telescopes e.g. CTA and LHAASO, we will be able to measure gamma-ray photons/cosmic rays with energies across nine decades of energies from MeV to above PeV with much improved sensitivity. Finally, I hope to briefly introduce recent effort to search for primordial gravitational waves produced from cosmic inflation by observing the Cosmic Microwave Background from both space and ground.

Coffee and tea will be served 20 minutes prior to the seminar.
Anyone interested is welcome to attend.