29th Hintze Lecture: Professor James Dunlop

Professor James Dunlop FRS, FRSE, FInstP from the University of Edinburgh, will be giving the 29th Hintze Lecture.

Abstract:

Due to the finite speed of light, astronomers have the unique privilege of being able to look back in time, now reaching back almost to the beginning of our Universe. Within this exploration of cosmic history, a key and long-standing goal of astrophysics and cosmology is to discover and study the first objects that formed out of the previously smooth debris from the Big Bang. Crucially, this quest includes the search for the first stars and galaxies which lit up the Universe and created the elements required for life.

In this public lecture, Professor James Dunlop will set the scene for this quest and review recent progress at the research frontier, culminating in a presentation and discussion of the latest results from the first two years of observing with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Until now the observational search for so-called ‘cosmic dawn’ was limited by the available technology. Now, given the remarkable performance of JWST, this appears to no longer be the case - we may finally be on the verge of discovering `First Light’.

The Hintze lectures highlight contemporary developments in astrophysics and cosmology and are generously funded by the Hintze Family Charitable Foundation

Join in person or online

This public lecture is free to attend in person (no prior registration required; attendees to be seated by 4.50pm) and will also be livestreamed at the following link: https://zoom.us/j/92744868981