Sakurai Prize Celebration

How many numbers does it take to determine our Universe?

Over the past three decades our understanding of the Universe has deepened.  The WMAP and Planck teams have asserted that just six numbers are needed to describe the whole Universe (fewer than the ten digits in a phone number), based upon their high-precision, all-sky maps of the Cosmic Microwave Background. Others have different opinions: one, two, a different six, and nine to determine our Universe. As I will discuss, the choice of numbers reveals much about what we know, our aspirations, and how we think about the Universe. After exploring the landscape, I will advocate for zero!

Reception immediately following in 2205 NPB.

Host: David Tanner