Welcome To The Dark Side: Dark Matter Explained

About the Lecture

When we look at stars, galaxies, and planets, it feels like we are seeing the universe as it truly is. In fact, we are seeing only a small fraction of it.

Modern cosmology tells us that all the luminous matter we can observe, everything from galaxies to human bodies, accounts for just about 5% of the universe. The rest is invisible. And yet, it governs how galaxies form, how they move, and how the universe itself evolves.

This lecture explores two of the most profound ideas in contemporary physics: dark matter and dark energy.

Through observations of galactic motion and large-scale cosmic structure, scientists have inferred the presence of an unseen form of matter that exerts gravity without emitting light. Even more unexpectedly, precise measurements of distant supernovae revealed that the universe is not just expanding, but accelerating.

Designed for a general audience, this lecture requires no prior background in cosmology, only curiosity about perhaps, the deepest questions of existence.

⋆｡°✩ Flow of the Evening

✭ 5:00 PM - Doors open! Seating is on a first come, first served basis.

✭ 5:00 – 5:30 PM - Place your orders, and start a few conversations (we typically close food orders at the lecture start time)

✭ 5:30 PM - The learning begins

✭ 6:15 PM - An open Q&A and discussion with the speaker and the room.

✭ 6:30 PM onwards there's some more drinking, eating, and conversations.

About the Speaker

Geetanjali Sethi is a physicist and cosmologist with over two decades of experience teaching undergraduate physics. She is currently Professor of Physics and Dean (Research) at St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi.

Her research spans theoretical cosmology and radio astronomy, with a focus on constraining dark energy models using observational data and developing affordable radio astronomy instrumentation. She has delivered numerous invited lectures and public talks on cosmology and astronomy for students, teachers, and general audiences, and is deeply engaged in science outreach and mentoring.

PS: Your ticket includes a 300/- coupon, redeemable on F&B at the venue.

About unLecture

unLecture brings experts out of classrooms and into cafés, bars and neighbourhood spaces across Delhi. Created by three friends from St. Stephen’s, Delhi who wanted learning to feel warm, social and alive. unLecture turns an otherwise ordinary evening into a conversation you may think about long after it ends.