Russell Guerrero

210-999-8406

Russell.Guerrero@trinity.edu

Physics Professor to Shed Light on Birth and Death of Quasars

Apr. 21, 2003 – Extremely energetic quasars lit up the universe during its infancy, but, like dinosaurs, the quasars have now become extinct. However, that hasn’t stopped researchers from seeing these incredible star-like objects that emit light and radio waves from the edges of the universe. Gordon MacAlpine, the Zilker Distinguished Professor and chair of the physics and astronomy department, will present “Quasar Cosmology” in the final Food For Thought luncheon lecture for this academic year, at noon Wednesday, May 7, in the Coates Center Fiesta Room. Tickets for the luncheon are $14, and reservations should be made three days prior to the event by calling the Alumni Relations Office at (210) 999-8404.  “Quasars radiated more than a thousand times the energy of a galaxy, from a region as small as our solar system,” says Professor MacAlpine.  “Even though the quasars no longer exist, space-time properties of the universe allow us to see them now, as they were 12 to 14 billion years ago.  To find them, we look near the edge of the universe; and we can use quasars to help us understand what that edge is like.” Professor MacAlpine will discuss how he finds quasars, where they came from, where they went, and what they are telling us about the early Universe. The Food For Thought luncheon lecture series is sponsored by the San Antonio chapter of the Trinity University Alumni Association.

Back to the Trinity Today Page The Trinity Home Page

Last updated on April 23, 2003 by the Office of Public Relations