Uploaded October 2021 | Updated September 2026, 46 minutes ago

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Math Encounters: "The Structure of Space: Measuring the Shape of the Universe" with David Spergel on July 7, 2021

Is the universe infinite or finite? Will it expand forever or collapse in a hot Big Crunch? And what is its shape? Join David Spergel, Director of the Center for Computational Astrophysics, Flatiron Institute, as he introduces geometry and topology, the mathematical concepts used to answer these questions. Learn how observations of the microwave background (the leftover heat from the Big Bang) have revealed the universe’s shape and can help predict its destiny. Special introduction by Janna Levin, Claire Tow Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Barnard College of Columbia University.

Math Encounters is a public presentation series celebrating the spectacular world of mathematics, presented by the Simons Foundation and the National Museum of Mathematics.

For further information, call the National Museum of Mathematics at
212-542-0566 or e-mail mathencounters@momath.org.