After5Chicago - Swipe Right on Space: What Dating & Physics Have in Common

Dark Energy, Dark Matter, and the Machine Learning Behind One of the Largest Maps of the Universe
About this Event

A Conversation on the Parallels between Romance and the Universe

Join an astrophysics and data science professor for Swiping Right on the Universe: Dark Energy, Dark Matter, and the Machine Learning Behind One of the Largest Maps of the Universe, a talk exploring some of the biggest open questions in modern cosmology: how our universe began, how it is expanding, and how it might ultimately end. We will examine the current scientific understanding of dark energy and dark matter, clarifying the key distinctions between the two, and will discuss how machine learning is transforming the way astronomers study the cosmos.

We will walk through our current best theories on cosmic expansion and the ultimate fate of the universe, then get into the surprising role machine learning plays in modern astronomy, including how "swipe right" style classification is helping researchers sort through millions of galaxies to hunt down the elusive nature of dark energy. Whether you're a lifelong space nerd or just curious what dark energy actually is, this talk will leave you with a much bigger picture of, well, everything.

From dark energy to machine learning, uncover how science is revealing the hidden universe.

Don't miss this chance to connect with your After5Society.

About the Speaker:

Dr. Lindsay House teaches astrophysics and data science at the University of Chicago and City Colleges of Chicago. She is a cosmologist researching at the Adler Planetarium and the NSF-Simons Astronomy Institute for AI in the Sky. She is the project lead for the NASA Zooniverse citizen science project Dark Energy Explorers, where anyone can classify galaxies from the third largest telescope in the world! She has spent her entire career at the intersection of astronomy, machine learning, education, and public engagement. Most recently, she is a Digital Science Communication Fellow for the Museum of Science Boston, where she works to build public trust in science online. She has written for SCIENCE Magazine, Astronomy Magazine, and her work has been featured on CBS, NBC, and NPR.

Good to know before you come:

• Exact bar location will be disclosed in your confirmation email
• Arrive early to grab a drink and get settled
• The speaker portion lasts 1 hour, with optional time to stay and socialize afterward
• This is a participatory event
• Seating is limited to keep the experience intimate

Agenda

🕑: 06:30 PM - 07:00 PM
Doors Open & Drinks Flow

Info: Arrive early to grab a drink, settle in, and enjoy the atmosphere. Early birds get the best seats and a head start on mingling!

🕑: 07:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Guided Experience / Talk

Info: Dive into an engaging, interactive session with our speaker. Participate, observe, or simply soak it all in - it's your experience to enjoy.

🕑: 08:00 PM - 08:30 PM
Social Time & Connection

Info: Stick around to chat with fellow attendees, swap ideas, or just relax with a drink. Great conversations often happen after the main event!