instituteforgravitationandthecosmos ( overview(meeting ... 2/3 of them now hold faculty positions in...
TRANSCRIPT
13 13 13
Institute13 for13 Gravitation13 and13 the13 Cosmos13 Overview13 Meeting13 with13 Dean13 Cavener13
13 February13 1713 201513
20013 PM13 in13 51713 Thomas13 Building13 13 13
Proposed13 Agenda13 13 13
1) Overview13 of13 the13 Institute13 (Ashtekar)13 13 2) Center13 for13 Particle13 and13 Gravitational13 Astrophysics13 (Meacuteszaacuteros)13
13 3) AMON13 Initiative13 (Cowen)13
13 4) Center13 for13 Theoretical13 and13 Observational13 Cosmology13 (Schneider)13
13 5) Center13 for13 Fundamental13 Theory13
13 6) Discussion13
13 7) Other13 Business13
13
Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos
bull The past two decades have witnessed a spectacular growth in our understanding of the cosmos which in turn has unleashed exceptional opportunities at the interface of Physics Astronomy Mathematics Computational Science Statistics and Philosophy of Science
bull By making full use of these opportunities the Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos has established itself as an international leader in this broad area which lies at the forefront of science
bull Further information igcpsuedu
Structure and Governance bull Internal Advisory Board Chaired by the Dean of
ECOS members Padma Raghavan Larry Ramsey Nitin Samarth Andrew Stephenson and Yuxi Zheng
bull External Advisory Board of six for guidance on scientific issues and development goals
bull Members Over 100 researchers in Astronomy amp Astrophysics Mathematics Physics and Philosophy of Science ~31 PSU (+ 3 visiting) faculty ~ 25 post-docs ~45 graduate students ~5 undergraduates
bull Underlying vision The Institute has been a living entity that evolves to adapt to new intellectual opportunities (began with only one Center and ~15 researchers)
bull Theoretical Science Beyond Einstein
bull New Windows on the Universe from the earliest epochs to present day Only institute where all Four Fundamental Forces of Nature are being used to explore the cosmos
The Three Current IGC Centers
Ongoing Creative interplay between theory and observations
Unique Strengths
bull The distinguishing feature of IGC is that its three Centers interact in a synergistic manner to fully exploit new intellectual opportunities
bull IGC is unique in its attempt to answer the big open questions on the nature of our cosmos by observing it through windows that use all four fundamental forces
bull We are also well-placed to build bridges across disciplines Gamma ray bursts relate to gravitational waves sources of neutrinos cosmic rays quantum nature of space-time Cosmology requires input from astrophysics and quantum gravity String theory has had great influence on contemporary mathematicshellip
While making significant advances in forefront areas we also aspire to create new disciplines across boundaries IGC is extremely well placed for this task Prior examples bull Loop Quantum gravity - and its sub-field of loop quantum cosmology - was created by researchers at CFTCTOC Now hundreds of papers appear every year in the field
bull Researchers at CPGA have played seminal role in the development of the theory of gamma ray bursts and their afterglows
bull The Institute played a major role in the crystallization of the new field of gravitational wave astronomy through its NSF Frontier Center for Gravitational Wave Physics
As a direct result of research at IGC new subject lines have been created in the Physics and Astronomy Society Classification System
Research Goals
Education Research Training bull IGC faculty have mentored a large number of undergraduate
and graduate students as well as post-docs in emerging disciplines with special attention to women and under-represented minorities Undergraduates from the Schreyer Honors College regularly write their thesis under the supervision of IGC faculty
bull Over the years we have trained ~190 individuals as post-docs They spent over ~370 person-years at the Institute About 23 of them now hold faculty positions in universities world-wide and ~30 hold Chairs Directorships andor lead influential research groups world-wide The rest are pursuing successful research-oriented careers in colleges or industry
bull Last year the IAB approved a new initiative the IGC post-doctoral Scholar Program that is now enabling us to attract even more outstanding post-docs who are short listed in top academic institutions but choose to come to IGC
Outreach
Outreach bull IGC is deeply involved in outreach
Semi-popular and popular lectures world-wide Featured in TV and other documentaries a 43 minute YouTube video on
Loop Quantum Cosmology has had over 75000 hits since August 2013 Workshop on lsquoExtreme Particle Astrophysicsrsquo for high school teachers Semi-popular books two recently featured in book clubs Forefront research has featured widely in semi-popular press including
The Economist Fox News The New York Times MSNBC Nature National Geographic Science Scientific American US News and World Report as well as European South American and Asian Press (Bild der Wissenschaft New Scientist Spectrum Volksprant La Recherche The Telegraph hellip )
bull At PSU Several press releases a year popular lectures hellip through Barbara Kennedyrsquos office The Frontiers of Science Lecture series started at IGC and then extended by ECOS to other disciplines This yearrsquos series celebrating the 100th anniversary of Einsteinrsquos discovery of General Relativity is co-sponsored by IGC Each of the 4 lectures to date drew an audience of over 400 and the excellence of these lectures has prompted Letters to the Editor in CDT
CentreDailycomLetter to the editor Lecture was outstandingFebruary 12 2015
Google PlusMore
LinkedinRedditYouTube
E-mailPrint
I had the privilege of hearing one of the best scientific talks I have ever attended
Nergis Malvalvala a professor of astrophysics from MIT held her audience spellbound Saturday as shedescribed ldquoThe Warped Side of the Universerdquo as part of Penn Statersquos Frontiers of Science annual lectureseries for the general public
In less than an hour using easy-to-conceptualize real-world analogies such as ldquoputting a bowling ball on aseat cushionrdquo or likening light waves to extroverts at a party who interact with anyone they happen to meet(as opposed to the ldquointrovertedrdquo gravitational waves that donrsquot interact very much with others) this amazingyoung woman explained some basic and some quite complex physical and astrophysical concepts involvingthe measurement of light waves and gravitational waves identifying black holes and the behavior of neutronstars and pulsars
She accomplished this extraordinary feat like a skilled magician keeping up a steady stream of casualconversation cracking occasional jokes and periodically making sure the audience was following the storyso that she could pull the rabbit out of the hat while we werenrsquot looking
I wish she had been my high school physics teacher I might have become an astronaut
The topic of this yearrsquos lecture series is 100 Years after Einsteinrsquos Theory of Relativity New Science fromGeneral Relativity The lectures in this free public mini-course are recorded and can be accessed atsciencepsuedunews-and-eventsfrontiers
Carol Anderson
State College
Google PlusMore
LinkedinRedditYouTube
E-mailPrint
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Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos Governance Plan
The Pennsylvania State University has established the Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos It builds upon the success of the prior Institute for Gravitational Physics and Geometry The primary mission of the institute is to promote excellence in research by facilitating synergy between various areas it encompasses It will foster collaborative research and activities leading to a deeper understanding of the physical cosmos we inhabit and hopefully to the creation of new recognized disciplines The Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos encompasses three interrelated centers Center for Fundamental Theory (CFT)
Center for Particle and Gravitational Astrophysics (CPGA) Center for Theoretical and Observational Cosmology (CTOC)
With its emphasis on interdisciplinary studies the IGC is more than the sum of these centers It stimulates collaborative research between centers as well as within each center Internal Advisory Board This board advises and provides direction to the institute leadership on all matters relating to its governance and operation The dean of the Eberly College of Science is the Chair of the Internal Advisory Board He is responsible for changes in its membership in consultation with the institute director This board appoints the associate director and the center directors upon recommendation by the institute director The institute director will consult with faculty members before making the recommendation The Internal Advisory Board also approves nominations for new faculty members and renewals of current faculty These nominations are made by the institute members through the institute director and associate director Members of the Internal Advisory Board are appointed to renewable 3 year terms External Advisory Board The dean of the Eberly College of Science also chairs the External Advisory Board He is responsible for changes in its membership in consultation with the institute director The External Advisory Board consults on scientific matters and also on development strategies Its membership would include distinguished scientists in fields representing all of the centers as well as community leaders who are able to provide advice on development strategies Director Working with members the director will create and articulate shared scientific vision for the institute He also has the primary responsibility for the institute administration The director holds a standing position and will undergo reviews as per PSU policies Institute resources are apportioned by the director in consultation with the associate director the center directors and the Internal Advisory Board as needed The director is responsible for an annual report to the Internal Advisory Board summarizing the activities of the institute The annual report will be open to all faculty members Associate Director The associate director participates in all major administrative
decisions The director and associate director are free to divide among themselves the charge of day-to-day governance issues The term of appointment can be up to 3 years and may be renewed by the Internal Advisory Board in consultation with the director Center Directors The center directors are responsible for administering their separate centers They represent their centers acting in consultation with their faculty members as well as the institute director and associate director Each center director provides information on the activities of the center for the annual report by the institute director Appointment durations can be up to 3 years and may be renewed by the Internal Advisory Board in consultation with the institute director Faculty members Penn State faculty members may be appointed to membership in the institute by the Internal Advisory Board upon nomination by the institute director Appointments are made for up to 3 years at a time but may be renewed by the same procedure Each faculty member of the institute will also be a member of at least one of its centers An institute member who is a member of more than one center is expected to identify a primary affiliation with one of them Membership in the institute and its centers normally extends also to research associates postdoctoral scholars and research students who are working with a faculty member on topics within the scope of the institute These members participate in institute activities benefit from institute-sponsored programs and meetings and are listed in the institute directory The institute director and associate director are responsible for maintaining the full list of current members through consultation with the faculty members This document provides governance guidelines for the initial phase of the IGC Since establishment of the IGC is rather special in many respects this document may be revised and updated on an ongoing basis at the discretion of the Internal Advisory Board Approved by the Internal Advisory Board January 30th 2008
Center13 for13 Particle13 and13 Gravitational13 Astrophysics13 13
Highlights13 13
Most13 exciting13 eventsdiscoveries13 from13 CPGA13 13 13 (1) Swift13 201113 ndash13 Discovery13 of13 star13 disruption13 by13 a13 million13 solar13 mass13
black13 hole13 leading13 to13 a13 gamma-shy‐ray13 emitting13 relativistic13 jet13 13 13 (2) IceCube13 2011-shy‐201213 ndash13 Impose13 first13 serious13 constraints13 on13 neutrino13
emission13 and13 cosmic13 ray13 acceleration13 in13 Gamma13 Ray13 Bursts13 13 (3) IceCube13 2013-shy‐201413 ndash13 Discover13 the13 first13 ldquoguaranteed13 astrophysicalrdquo13
origin13 neutrinos13 at13 TeV-shy‐PeV13 energies13 ndash13 source13 unknown13 so13 far13 13 (4) Auger13 measured13 (2008-shy‐2009)13 the13 ldquoGZKrdquo13 cutoff13 in13 the13 highest13 energy13
cosmic13 rays13 ever13 measured13 (1E2013 eV13 fast13 baseball13 10013 kmhr)13 13 (5) Advanced-shy‐LIGO13 Livingston13 site13 operating13 Hanford13 next13 summer13
next13 science13 run13 this13 fall13 13 13 (6) HAWC13 completed13 instrumenting13 full13 tanks13 inaugural13 conference13 in13
March13 will13 observe13 gamma13 rays13 at13 energies13 above13 those13 of13 Fermi13 spacecraft13 13
13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
13 13
Pierre Auger ObservatoryPublic Event Explorer
Page hosted by the Auger group atColorado State University
Imagery copy2013 TerraMetrics Map data copy2013 Google -
The
AM
ON
Idea
13 13 13 13 13 13 Triggering13 observatories13 13 bull Provide13 sub-shy‐threshold13
candidate13 events13 to13 AMON13 in13 real13 me13
The13 AMON13 Idea13
bull Seeks13 coincidences13 in13 me13 and13 space13 bull Generates13 alerts13 -shy‐13 broadcast13 and13 archived13 bull Enables13 archival13 analyses13
bull respond13 to13 AMON13 alerts13
413 AMON13
ν13 ϒ13
gw13 n13
Use13 messenger13 parcles13 of13 all13 four13 fundamental13 forces13
x13 UV13 opcal13 13
ϒ13
AMON13
Follow-shy‐up13 observatories13 13
The
AM
ON
Idea
13
513 AMON13
The13 AMON13 Idea13
Future13
Status13 quo13
Many13 bilateral13 agreements13 among13 various13 observatories13 and13 cross-shy‐collaborave13 analyses13 13 No13 unified13 mullateral13 agreement13 and13 unified13 13 analyses13 of13 mulmessenger13 data13 13 Mostly13 unidireconal13 13 13
AMON13 serves13 as13 a13 central13 hub13 for13 collecng13 data13 from13 various13 mulmessenger13 facilies13 13 Performs13 unified13 analyses13 on13 mulmessenger13 data13 13 13 Gain13 in13 effecve13 aggregate13 sensivity13 13 Simplified13 protocols13 of13 cross-shy‐collaborave13 analyses13
AM
ON
Netw
ork13
613 14-shy‐12-shy‐1013 AMON13
13 13 13 13 13 613 Memoranda13 of13 Understandings13 (MoUs)13 signed13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 113 MoU13 in13 review13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 213 more13 leYer13 of13 collaboraon13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 many13 more13 in13 the13 future13 13
Triggering13 13 IceCube13 ANTARES13 Auger13 HAWC13 VERITAS13 SwiG13 BAThellip13 13 13 13
Follow-shy‐up13 13 SwiG13 XRT13 ampUVOT13 VERITAS13 13
hYpamongravitypsuedu13 13
AstropPhys13 Vol13 4513 56ndash7013 201313 13
Overview for the Center for Theoretical and Observational Cosmology
The study of the large-scale properties and evolution of the cosmos is one of the mostintellectually challenging and exciting scientific endeavors of the early 21st century Thisfield of research addresses the most fundamental questions that can be posed and is one ofgreat public interest Scientists at the Center for Theoretical and Observational Cosmologyare engaged in a wide variety of activities frequently holding scientific leadership positionsin large international collaborations that are probing the basic properties of the universeThe Centerrsquos research efforts are concentrated in Wide-Area Cosmological Surveys theHigh-Energy Universe and Theoretical Investigations of the conditions in the extremelyearly universe and the formation and evolution of large structures throughout cosmic time
Wide-Area Cosmological Surveys
The foundation of these recent advances are the wide-area (covering a significant frac-tion of the sky) high-quality surveys that have been undertaken in the past two decadesThe most prominent of these projects is the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) The SDSSobservations of galaxies and quasars allowed the construction of detailed maps of the dis-tribution of matter in the universe the structures that are detected are some of the mostimportant constraints on theoretical models of the properties and evolution of the universe
During SDSSrsquos first decade Penn State scientists were in charge of the quasar scienceof the survey On several occasions during this period the SDSS quasar team identified themost distant known object in the universe and discovered (after astronomers had searchedfor nearly 40 years) the era when the intergalactic medium transitioned from a neutral toan ionized state Penn State has joined the fourth phase (which started on 1 July 2014)as an institutional member Drs Niel Brandt and Michael Eracleous (observational) andSarah Shandera and Donghui Jeong (theoretical) are actively engaged in SDSS-IV
Penn State is playing an important part in another large cosmological survey theHobby-Eberly Telescope Dark Energy Experiment (HETDEX) which should begin obser-vations in late 2015 The goal of this multi-year project is to identify approximately onemillion galaxies in the era when the universe was only a quarter of its current linear sizerevealing information about the rate of expansion of the universe at that time and providea key constraint on cosmological models In preparation for this ambitious project theHETDEX Pilot Survey was undertaken using one of the smaller telescopes at McDon-ald Observatory Drs Robin Ciardullo Caryl Gronwall and Jeong are now analyzingand publishing of the Pilot Survey results which are revealing the physical conditions ingalaxies billions of years in the past
Every ten years the US Astronomical Community produces a report that lists thehighest priorities for the next decade the top-ranked project for ground-based astronomyin the most recent document was the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) The LSSTwill be able to obtain images of approximately 50 of the sky every few nights providinginsights on issues ranging from our cosmic neighborhood (identifying and tracking ldquokillerasteroidsrdquo) to the most distant reaches of the universe (properties of Dark Energy) PennState has been an institutional member of this large international project since 2005 andhas been an active participant of the governance and science planning Dr Brandt is incharge of developing the plan for LSSTrsquoS deepest observations
The High-Energy Universe
High-energy astrophysics (X-rays and γ-rays) has long been one of Penn Statersquosstrengths The two signature projects are the design and construction of the primaryinstrument for the Chandra spacecraft one of NASArsquos ldquoGreat Observatoriesrdquo and PennStatersquos major role in NASArsquos Swift satellite which studies γ-ray bursts (GRBs) In ad-dition Dr Brandt is heavily involved in the NuSTAR (Nuclear Spectroscopic TelescopeArray) satellite program which began taking observations in 2012
Chandra launched in 1999 has provided our sharpest and deepest view of the X-rayuniverse Dr Brandt has led a series of studies that have revealed the characteristics ofhigh-energy emission from the first supermassive black holes to form in the universe HisldquoSix Megasecondrdquo image of a small piece of sky created with an exposure time of nearly70 days has revealed hundreds of faint X-ray sources The faintest objects are such thatthe X-ray instrument detects one photon from the source every two weeks
Penn State developed two of the three instruments on the Swift satellite and runsSwiftrsquos Mission Operations Center Center scientists Drs Peter Meszaros and Derek Foxhave made major contributions to this project Swift scans the sky for GRBs which arebrief flashes (timescale of a second) of extremely high-energy photons Within minutes ofdetecting a GRB Swift automatically points the onboard X-ray and optical telescopes to-wards the estimated direction of the event and immediately transmits an accurate positionof the event to observers around the world Despite the planned three-year operationallifetime after its 2004 launch NASA has repeatedly extended the mission because of therevolutionary scientific returns that Swift continues to produce
Swift discoveries include 1) the first precise locations of ldquoshortrdquo (less than a secondduration) GRBs providing solid support for the proposal that these GRBs are producedby mergers of two neutron stars 2) the first detection of the X-rays shock break-out from asupernova 3) the detection of long faint GRB which ground-based observations revealedto be the most distant known stellar object at a redshift of 93 4) the first observationsof a relativistic jet produced by the tidal disruption of star by a massive black hole5) discovering a GRB located at a distance of several billion light-years that was sobright it was visible to the naked eye for several seconds and 6) detection of a burst thatproduced for a few seconds an amount of electromagnetic energy that was comparable tothat of the entire rest of the universe
NuSTAR which is providing a view of the universe in the high X-ray regime is now inits third year of operations Dr Brandtrsquos group has led a number of studies based on thenew data that have provided insights into the properties and environments of supermassiveblack holes located in the centers of galaxies
Theoretical Cosmology at the Center
Dr Shanderarsquos research concentrates on the first moments of the universersquos existencein particular the period when the universe is thought to have undergone an incredibly rapidphase of expansion (the ldquoinflationrdquo theory) that occurred approximately 10minus35 s after theBig Bang Dr Shanderarsquos primary goals are to understand the nature of quantum fields inthis era and to identify observational signals that can test whether this inflationary phasedid indeed exist
Dr Lirsquos group has developed sophisticated computer codes incorporating detailedphysical processes and the large-scale evolution of structure in the universe to addresssome of the most pressing questions in cosmology ranging from the appearance of the firstsupermassive black holes in the universe to the formation of our own galaxy the MilkyWay
Dr Jeong is extensively involved in large-scale surveys (see above) but also is inves-tigating questions such as the applicability of Einsteinrsquos Theory of General Relativity overthe largest spans of distance and time in the universe and the nature of Dark Energy
The Annual Neighborhood Cosmology Conference
During the spring semesters in 2013 and 2014 the Center hosted a ldquoNeighborhoodCosmology Conferencerdquo that was attended by scientists from a number of local institutionsThis two-day affair brings together approximately 90 astronomers and physicists to discussthe latest developments in cosmology The vast majority of the attendees are students(undergraduate and graduate) and postdocs Institutions that have participated includeJohns Hopkins the University of Pennsylvania the University of Pittsburgh RutgersUniversity Carnegie Mellon University Case Western Reserve University and CornellUniversity In addition to the productive science exchanges the conference is a usefulrecruiting tool for the Physics and the Astronomy Departments
Special recognition is due to Dr Shandera and Ms Randi Neshteruk for their superborganizational efforts for the conferences
Conclusion
Center scientists have been at the forefront of cosmological research for more than adecade and their leadership roles in a number of major current and near-future projectspromises to maintain Penn Statersquos high profile in this exciting and important field Anindication of the Centerrsquos scientific impact is that since the Centerrsquos creation in mid-2011Center scientists have published 208 peer-reviewed papers these works have garnered 6570citations We expect that this rate of productivity will increase due to the addition of recentfaculty hires and as results are produced by the major new projects (NuStar SDSS-IVHETDEX) The Physics and the Astronomy Departments were both highly-ranked by the2010 National Research Councilrsquos review and the high-profile activity of the Center willplay an important role in maintaining and bolstering this reputation
13 13 13 13 13 13 The13 primary13 goal13 of13 our13 center13 is13 to13 foster13 research13 and13 education13 in13 some13 fundamental13 areas13 at13 the13 forefront13 of13 theoretical13 and13 mathematical13 physics13 These13 areas13 include13 theories13 that13 attempt13 to13 unify13 Einsteins13 theory13 of13 gravity13 and13 quantum13 mechanics13 general13 relativity13 and13 supergravity13 cosmology13 non-shy‐commutative13 geometry13 and13 related13 areas13 of13 mathematics13 and13 philosophy13 of13 science13 We13 have13 faculty13 members13 from13 Physics13 Mathematics13 as13 well13 as13 Philosophy13 Department13 13 13 The13 two13 leading13 approaches13 to13 quantum13 gravity13 are13 both13 represented13 at13 our13 center13 namely13 loop13 quantum13 gravity13 and13 string13 theory13 Loop13 quantum13 gravity13 which13 was13 developed13 mainly13 here13 at13 Penn13 State13 attempts13 to13 quantize13 gravity13 in13 four13 space-shy‐time13 dimensions13 by13 itself13 13 String13 theory13 is13 more13 ambitious13 and13 attempts13 to13 unify13 all13 known13 forces13 of13 nature13 including13 gravity13 in13 a13 quantum13 mechanically13 consistent13 framework13 13 Penn13 State13 is13 the13 only13 US13 institution13 where13 both13 of13 these13 approaches13 are13 being13 developed13 13 13 At13 any13 given13 time13 the13 researchers13 in13 our13 center13 work13 on13 many13 exciting13 and13 interesting13 problems13 Currently13 we13 have13 a13 major13 research13 activity13 on13 loop13 quantum13 cosmology13 which13 was13 initiated13 and13 largely13 developed13 here13 in13 our13 center13 by13 Martin13 Bojowald13 Abhay13 Ashtekar13 and13 their13 coworkers13 13 By13 now13 this13 is13 a13 very13 active13 area13 of13 research13 among13 physicists13 that13 work13 on13 loop13 quantum13 gravity13 worldwide13 13 The13 original13 singularity13 of13 the13 classical13 theory13 of13 general13 relativity13 corresponding13 to13 the13 big13 bang13 gets13 resolved13 due13 to13 quantum13
effects13 and13 the13 big13 bang13 and13 big13 crunch13 singularities13 are13 replaced13 by13 big13 bounces13 in13 some13 of13 the13 loop13 quantum13 cosmology13 models13 13 13 The13 researchers13 in13 this13 field13 are13 currently13 trying13 to13 understand13 the13 physics13 of13 the13 early13 universe13 and13 thereby13 explain13 the13 current13 cosmological13 observations13 such13 as13 the13 large-shy‐scale13 structure13 of13 the13 observed13 universe13 13 13 Another13 current13 major13 research13 area13 in13 the13 center13 is13 the13 work13 on13 scattering13 amplitude13 calculations13 in13 supergravity13 theories13 and13 study13 of13 their13 finiteness13 properties13 13 Supergravity13 theories13 are13 extensions13 of13 Einsteinrsquos13 theory13 of13 general13 relativity13 whose13 quantization13 leads13 to13 additional13 particles13 other13 than13 the13 graviton13 which13 mediates13 the13 gravitational13 force13 13 Through13 a13 remarkable13 tour13 de13 force13 of13 technical13 calculation13 Radu13 Roiban13 and13 his13 co-shy‐workers13 showed13 that13 the13 maximal13 supergravity13 is13 finite13 up13 to13 four13 loops13 in13 perturbative13 quantum13 theory13 13 This13 was13 an13 unexpected13 result13 since13 the13 perturbative13 quantization13 of13 Einsteinrsquos13 general13 relativity13 leads13 to13 incurable13 infinities13 already13 at13 two13 loops13 This13 work13 has13 been13 one13 of13 the13 main13 motivators13 for13 the13 exciting13 and13 important13 developments13 in13 the13 field13 of13 amplitude13 calculations13 in13 supergravity13 and13 supersymmetric13 field13 theories13 in13 recent13 years13 13 13 One13 of13 our13 main13 activities13 is13 to13 organize13 workshops13 on13 recent13 exciting13 developments13 in13 areas13 represented13 in13 our13 Center13 These13 workshops13 have13 been13 very13 successful13 and13 contributed13 to13 the13 visibility13 of13 our13 Center13 greatly13 by13 bringing13 leading13 scientists13 working13 in13 these13 areas13 to13 Penn13 State13 They13 also13 foster13 the13 synergy13 in13 the13 Center13 For13 example13 last13 year13 M13 Bojowald13 M13 Gunaydin13 and13 P13 Xu13 organized13 a13 workshop13 on13 Non-shy‐Associativity13 in13 Physics13 and13 Related13 Mathematical13 Structures13 that13 brought13 together13 physicists13 and13 mathematicians13 including13 a13 field13 medalist13 13 Similarly13 in13 201313 A13 Ashtekar13 G13 Fleming13 and13 E13 Grosholz13 organized13 a13 workshop13 on13 Cosmology13 and13 Time13 that13 brought13 physicists13 and13 philosophers13 together13 We13 also13 initiated13 a13 series13 of13 workshops13 rotating13 between13 Penn13 State13 the13 Albert13 Einstein13 Institute13 in13 Potsdam13 Germany13 Cambridge13 University13 Imperial13 College13 and13 Texas13 AampM13 University13 13 13 13 Murat13 Gunaydin13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 February13 1613 201513
- Agenda
- 15rep-cavener
- Letter to the editor_ Lecture was outstanding _ Letters to the Editor _ CentreDaily
- governance-13
- CPGA-Highlights
- AMON Slides for Dean Cavener
-
- Pages from AMON_Statuspdf
- Pages from AMON_Status-2pdf
- Pages from AMON_Status-3pdf
- AMON MoU Listpdf
-
- ctocshort
- CFT_2015
-
Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos
bull The past two decades have witnessed a spectacular growth in our understanding of the cosmos which in turn has unleashed exceptional opportunities at the interface of Physics Astronomy Mathematics Computational Science Statistics and Philosophy of Science
bull By making full use of these opportunities the Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos has established itself as an international leader in this broad area which lies at the forefront of science
bull Further information igcpsuedu
Structure and Governance bull Internal Advisory Board Chaired by the Dean of
ECOS members Padma Raghavan Larry Ramsey Nitin Samarth Andrew Stephenson and Yuxi Zheng
bull External Advisory Board of six for guidance on scientific issues and development goals
bull Members Over 100 researchers in Astronomy amp Astrophysics Mathematics Physics and Philosophy of Science ~31 PSU (+ 3 visiting) faculty ~ 25 post-docs ~45 graduate students ~5 undergraduates
bull Underlying vision The Institute has been a living entity that evolves to adapt to new intellectual opportunities (began with only one Center and ~15 researchers)
bull Theoretical Science Beyond Einstein
bull New Windows on the Universe from the earliest epochs to present day Only institute where all Four Fundamental Forces of Nature are being used to explore the cosmos
The Three Current IGC Centers
Ongoing Creative interplay between theory and observations
Unique Strengths
bull The distinguishing feature of IGC is that its three Centers interact in a synergistic manner to fully exploit new intellectual opportunities
bull IGC is unique in its attempt to answer the big open questions on the nature of our cosmos by observing it through windows that use all four fundamental forces
bull We are also well-placed to build bridges across disciplines Gamma ray bursts relate to gravitational waves sources of neutrinos cosmic rays quantum nature of space-time Cosmology requires input from astrophysics and quantum gravity String theory has had great influence on contemporary mathematicshellip
While making significant advances in forefront areas we also aspire to create new disciplines across boundaries IGC is extremely well placed for this task Prior examples bull Loop Quantum gravity - and its sub-field of loop quantum cosmology - was created by researchers at CFTCTOC Now hundreds of papers appear every year in the field
bull Researchers at CPGA have played seminal role in the development of the theory of gamma ray bursts and their afterglows
bull The Institute played a major role in the crystallization of the new field of gravitational wave astronomy through its NSF Frontier Center for Gravitational Wave Physics
As a direct result of research at IGC new subject lines have been created in the Physics and Astronomy Society Classification System
Research Goals
Education Research Training bull IGC faculty have mentored a large number of undergraduate
and graduate students as well as post-docs in emerging disciplines with special attention to women and under-represented minorities Undergraduates from the Schreyer Honors College regularly write their thesis under the supervision of IGC faculty
bull Over the years we have trained ~190 individuals as post-docs They spent over ~370 person-years at the Institute About 23 of them now hold faculty positions in universities world-wide and ~30 hold Chairs Directorships andor lead influential research groups world-wide The rest are pursuing successful research-oriented careers in colleges or industry
bull Last year the IAB approved a new initiative the IGC post-doctoral Scholar Program that is now enabling us to attract even more outstanding post-docs who are short listed in top academic institutions but choose to come to IGC
Outreach
Outreach bull IGC is deeply involved in outreach
Semi-popular and popular lectures world-wide Featured in TV and other documentaries a 43 minute YouTube video on
Loop Quantum Cosmology has had over 75000 hits since August 2013 Workshop on lsquoExtreme Particle Astrophysicsrsquo for high school teachers Semi-popular books two recently featured in book clubs Forefront research has featured widely in semi-popular press including
The Economist Fox News The New York Times MSNBC Nature National Geographic Science Scientific American US News and World Report as well as European South American and Asian Press (Bild der Wissenschaft New Scientist Spectrum Volksprant La Recherche The Telegraph hellip )
bull At PSU Several press releases a year popular lectures hellip through Barbara Kennedyrsquos office The Frontiers of Science Lecture series started at IGC and then extended by ECOS to other disciplines This yearrsquos series celebrating the 100th anniversary of Einsteinrsquos discovery of General Relativity is co-sponsored by IGC Each of the 4 lectures to date drew an audience of over 400 and the excellence of these lectures has prompted Letters to the Editor in CDT
CentreDailycomLetter to the editor Lecture was outstandingFebruary 12 2015
Google PlusMore
LinkedinRedditYouTube
E-mailPrint
I had the privilege of hearing one of the best scientific talks I have ever attended
Nergis Malvalvala a professor of astrophysics from MIT held her audience spellbound Saturday as shedescribed ldquoThe Warped Side of the Universerdquo as part of Penn Statersquos Frontiers of Science annual lectureseries for the general public
In less than an hour using easy-to-conceptualize real-world analogies such as ldquoputting a bowling ball on aseat cushionrdquo or likening light waves to extroverts at a party who interact with anyone they happen to meet(as opposed to the ldquointrovertedrdquo gravitational waves that donrsquot interact very much with others) this amazingyoung woman explained some basic and some quite complex physical and astrophysical concepts involvingthe measurement of light waves and gravitational waves identifying black holes and the behavior of neutronstars and pulsars
She accomplished this extraordinary feat like a skilled magician keeping up a steady stream of casualconversation cracking occasional jokes and periodically making sure the audience was following the storyso that she could pull the rabbit out of the hat while we werenrsquot looking
I wish she had been my high school physics teacher I might have become an astronaut
The topic of this yearrsquos lecture series is 100 Years after Einsteinrsquos Theory of Relativity New Science fromGeneral Relativity The lectures in this free public mini-course are recorded and can be accessed atsciencepsuedunews-and-eventsfrontiers
Carol Anderson
State College
Google PlusMore
LinkedinRedditYouTube
E-mailPrint
Join The ConversationCentre Daily Times is pleased to provide this opportunity to share information experiences and observationsabout whats in the news Some of the comments may be reprinted elsewhere in the site or in thenewspaper We encourage lively open debate on the issues of the day and ask that you refrain fromprofanity hate speech personal comments and remarks that are off point Thank you for taking the time tooffer your thoughts
Commenting FAQs | Terms of Service
Email Newsletters gtManage newsletter subscriptions
Tablets gtApps and services for tablet devices
Mobile gtApps and services for your mobile phone
Social Media gtGet updates via Facebook and Twitter
e-Edition gtYour daily paper delivered to your computer
Home Delivery gtManage your home delivery account
Digital Subscriptions gtManage your online subscriptions
copy 2015 wwwcentredailycom and wire service sources All Rights Reserved httpwwwcentredailycom
Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos Governance Plan
The Pennsylvania State University has established the Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos It builds upon the success of the prior Institute for Gravitational Physics and Geometry The primary mission of the institute is to promote excellence in research by facilitating synergy between various areas it encompasses It will foster collaborative research and activities leading to a deeper understanding of the physical cosmos we inhabit and hopefully to the creation of new recognized disciplines The Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos encompasses three interrelated centers Center for Fundamental Theory (CFT)
Center for Particle and Gravitational Astrophysics (CPGA) Center for Theoretical and Observational Cosmology (CTOC)
With its emphasis on interdisciplinary studies the IGC is more than the sum of these centers It stimulates collaborative research between centers as well as within each center Internal Advisory Board This board advises and provides direction to the institute leadership on all matters relating to its governance and operation The dean of the Eberly College of Science is the Chair of the Internal Advisory Board He is responsible for changes in its membership in consultation with the institute director This board appoints the associate director and the center directors upon recommendation by the institute director The institute director will consult with faculty members before making the recommendation The Internal Advisory Board also approves nominations for new faculty members and renewals of current faculty These nominations are made by the institute members through the institute director and associate director Members of the Internal Advisory Board are appointed to renewable 3 year terms External Advisory Board The dean of the Eberly College of Science also chairs the External Advisory Board He is responsible for changes in its membership in consultation with the institute director The External Advisory Board consults on scientific matters and also on development strategies Its membership would include distinguished scientists in fields representing all of the centers as well as community leaders who are able to provide advice on development strategies Director Working with members the director will create and articulate shared scientific vision for the institute He also has the primary responsibility for the institute administration The director holds a standing position and will undergo reviews as per PSU policies Institute resources are apportioned by the director in consultation with the associate director the center directors and the Internal Advisory Board as needed The director is responsible for an annual report to the Internal Advisory Board summarizing the activities of the institute The annual report will be open to all faculty members Associate Director The associate director participates in all major administrative
decisions The director and associate director are free to divide among themselves the charge of day-to-day governance issues The term of appointment can be up to 3 years and may be renewed by the Internal Advisory Board in consultation with the director Center Directors The center directors are responsible for administering their separate centers They represent their centers acting in consultation with their faculty members as well as the institute director and associate director Each center director provides information on the activities of the center for the annual report by the institute director Appointment durations can be up to 3 years and may be renewed by the Internal Advisory Board in consultation with the institute director Faculty members Penn State faculty members may be appointed to membership in the institute by the Internal Advisory Board upon nomination by the institute director Appointments are made for up to 3 years at a time but may be renewed by the same procedure Each faculty member of the institute will also be a member of at least one of its centers An institute member who is a member of more than one center is expected to identify a primary affiliation with one of them Membership in the institute and its centers normally extends also to research associates postdoctoral scholars and research students who are working with a faculty member on topics within the scope of the institute These members participate in institute activities benefit from institute-sponsored programs and meetings and are listed in the institute directory The institute director and associate director are responsible for maintaining the full list of current members through consultation with the faculty members This document provides governance guidelines for the initial phase of the IGC Since establishment of the IGC is rather special in many respects this document may be revised and updated on an ongoing basis at the discretion of the Internal Advisory Board Approved by the Internal Advisory Board January 30th 2008
Center13 for13 Particle13 and13 Gravitational13 Astrophysics13 13
Highlights13 13
Most13 exciting13 eventsdiscoveries13 from13 CPGA13 13 13 (1) Swift13 201113 ndash13 Discovery13 of13 star13 disruption13 by13 a13 million13 solar13 mass13
black13 hole13 leading13 to13 a13 gamma-shy‐ray13 emitting13 relativistic13 jet13 13 13 (2) IceCube13 2011-shy‐201213 ndash13 Impose13 first13 serious13 constraints13 on13 neutrino13
emission13 and13 cosmic13 ray13 acceleration13 in13 Gamma13 Ray13 Bursts13 13 (3) IceCube13 2013-shy‐201413 ndash13 Discover13 the13 first13 ldquoguaranteed13 astrophysicalrdquo13
origin13 neutrinos13 at13 TeV-shy‐PeV13 energies13 ndash13 source13 unknown13 so13 far13 13 (4) Auger13 measured13 (2008-shy‐2009)13 the13 ldquoGZKrdquo13 cutoff13 in13 the13 highest13 energy13
cosmic13 rays13 ever13 measured13 (1E2013 eV13 fast13 baseball13 10013 kmhr)13 13 (5) Advanced-shy‐LIGO13 Livingston13 site13 operating13 Hanford13 next13 summer13
next13 science13 run13 this13 fall13 13 13 (6) HAWC13 completed13 instrumenting13 full13 tanks13 inaugural13 conference13 in13
March13 will13 observe13 gamma13 rays13 at13 energies13 above13 those13 of13 Fermi13 spacecraft13 13
13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
13 13
Pierre Auger ObservatoryPublic Event Explorer
Page hosted by the Auger group atColorado State University
Imagery copy2013 TerraMetrics Map data copy2013 Google -
The
AM
ON
Idea
13 13 13 13 13 13 Triggering13 observatories13 13 bull Provide13 sub-shy‐threshold13
candidate13 events13 to13 AMON13 in13 real13 me13
The13 AMON13 Idea13
bull Seeks13 coincidences13 in13 me13 and13 space13 bull Generates13 alerts13 -shy‐13 broadcast13 and13 archived13 bull Enables13 archival13 analyses13
bull respond13 to13 AMON13 alerts13
413 AMON13
ν13 ϒ13
gw13 n13
Use13 messenger13 parcles13 of13 all13 four13 fundamental13 forces13
x13 UV13 opcal13 13
ϒ13
AMON13
Follow-shy‐up13 observatories13 13
The
AM
ON
Idea
13
513 AMON13
The13 AMON13 Idea13
Future13
Status13 quo13
Many13 bilateral13 agreements13 among13 various13 observatories13 and13 cross-shy‐collaborave13 analyses13 13 No13 unified13 mullateral13 agreement13 and13 unified13 13 analyses13 of13 mulmessenger13 data13 13 Mostly13 unidireconal13 13 13
AMON13 serves13 as13 a13 central13 hub13 for13 collecng13 data13 from13 various13 mulmessenger13 facilies13 13 Performs13 unified13 analyses13 on13 mulmessenger13 data13 13 13 Gain13 in13 effecve13 aggregate13 sensivity13 13 Simplified13 protocols13 of13 cross-shy‐collaborave13 analyses13
AM
ON
Netw
ork13
613 14-shy‐12-shy‐1013 AMON13
13 13 13 13 13 613 Memoranda13 of13 Understandings13 (MoUs)13 signed13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 113 MoU13 in13 review13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 213 more13 leYer13 of13 collaboraon13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 many13 more13 in13 the13 future13 13
Triggering13 13 IceCube13 ANTARES13 Auger13 HAWC13 VERITAS13 SwiG13 BAThellip13 13 13 13
Follow-shy‐up13 13 SwiG13 XRT13 ampUVOT13 VERITAS13 13
hYpamongravitypsuedu13 13
AstropPhys13 Vol13 4513 56ndash7013 201313 13
Overview for the Center for Theoretical and Observational Cosmology
The study of the large-scale properties and evolution of the cosmos is one of the mostintellectually challenging and exciting scientific endeavors of the early 21st century Thisfield of research addresses the most fundamental questions that can be posed and is one ofgreat public interest Scientists at the Center for Theoretical and Observational Cosmologyare engaged in a wide variety of activities frequently holding scientific leadership positionsin large international collaborations that are probing the basic properties of the universeThe Centerrsquos research efforts are concentrated in Wide-Area Cosmological Surveys theHigh-Energy Universe and Theoretical Investigations of the conditions in the extremelyearly universe and the formation and evolution of large structures throughout cosmic time
Wide-Area Cosmological Surveys
The foundation of these recent advances are the wide-area (covering a significant frac-tion of the sky) high-quality surveys that have been undertaken in the past two decadesThe most prominent of these projects is the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) The SDSSobservations of galaxies and quasars allowed the construction of detailed maps of the dis-tribution of matter in the universe the structures that are detected are some of the mostimportant constraints on theoretical models of the properties and evolution of the universe
During SDSSrsquos first decade Penn State scientists were in charge of the quasar scienceof the survey On several occasions during this period the SDSS quasar team identified themost distant known object in the universe and discovered (after astronomers had searchedfor nearly 40 years) the era when the intergalactic medium transitioned from a neutral toan ionized state Penn State has joined the fourth phase (which started on 1 July 2014)as an institutional member Drs Niel Brandt and Michael Eracleous (observational) andSarah Shandera and Donghui Jeong (theoretical) are actively engaged in SDSS-IV
Penn State is playing an important part in another large cosmological survey theHobby-Eberly Telescope Dark Energy Experiment (HETDEX) which should begin obser-vations in late 2015 The goal of this multi-year project is to identify approximately onemillion galaxies in the era when the universe was only a quarter of its current linear sizerevealing information about the rate of expansion of the universe at that time and providea key constraint on cosmological models In preparation for this ambitious project theHETDEX Pilot Survey was undertaken using one of the smaller telescopes at McDon-ald Observatory Drs Robin Ciardullo Caryl Gronwall and Jeong are now analyzingand publishing of the Pilot Survey results which are revealing the physical conditions ingalaxies billions of years in the past
Every ten years the US Astronomical Community produces a report that lists thehighest priorities for the next decade the top-ranked project for ground-based astronomyin the most recent document was the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) The LSSTwill be able to obtain images of approximately 50 of the sky every few nights providinginsights on issues ranging from our cosmic neighborhood (identifying and tracking ldquokillerasteroidsrdquo) to the most distant reaches of the universe (properties of Dark Energy) PennState has been an institutional member of this large international project since 2005 andhas been an active participant of the governance and science planning Dr Brandt is incharge of developing the plan for LSSTrsquoS deepest observations
The High-Energy Universe
High-energy astrophysics (X-rays and γ-rays) has long been one of Penn Statersquosstrengths The two signature projects are the design and construction of the primaryinstrument for the Chandra spacecraft one of NASArsquos ldquoGreat Observatoriesrdquo and PennStatersquos major role in NASArsquos Swift satellite which studies γ-ray bursts (GRBs) In ad-dition Dr Brandt is heavily involved in the NuSTAR (Nuclear Spectroscopic TelescopeArray) satellite program which began taking observations in 2012
Chandra launched in 1999 has provided our sharpest and deepest view of the X-rayuniverse Dr Brandt has led a series of studies that have revealed the characteristics ofhigh-energy emission from the first supermassive black holes to form in the universe HisldquoSix Megasecondrdquo image of a small piece of sky created with an exposure time of nearly70 days has revealed hundreds of faint X-ray sources The faintest objects are such thatthe X-ray instrument detects one photon from the source every two weeks
Penn State developed two of the three instruments on the Swift satellite and runsSwiftrsquos Mission Operations Center Center scientists Drs Peter Meszaros and Derek Foxhave made major contributions to this project Swift scans the sky for GRBs which arebrief flashes (timescale of a second) of extremely high-energy photons Within minutes ofdetecting a GRB Swift automatically points the onboard X-ray and optical telescopes to-wards the estimated direction of the event and immediately transmits an accurate positionof the event to observers around the world Despite the planned three-year operationallifetime after its 2004 launch NASA has repeatedly extended the mission because of therevolutionary scientific returns that Swift continues to produce
Swift discoveries include 1) the first precise locations of ldquoshortrdquo (less than a secondduration) GRBs providing solid support for the proposal that these GRBs are producedby mergers of two neutron stars 2) the first detection of the X-rays shock break-out from asupernova 3) the detection of long faint GRB which ground-based observations revealedto be the most distant known stellar object at a redshift of 93 4) the first observationsof a relativistic jet produced by the tidal disruption of star by a massive black hole5) discovering a GRB located at a distance of several billion light-years that was sobright it was visible to the naked eye for several seconds and 6) detection of a burst thatproduced for a few seconds an amount of electromagnetic energy that was comparable tothat of the entire rest of the universe
NuSTAR which is providing a view of the universe in the high X-ray regime is now inits third year of operations Dr Brandtrsquos group has led a number of studies based on thenew data that have provided insights into the properties and environments of supermassiveblack holes located in the centers of galaxies
Theoretical Cosmology at the Center
Dr Shanderarsquos research concentrates on the first moments of the universersquos existencein particular the period when the universe is thought to have undergone an incredibly rapidphase of expansion (the ldquoinflationrdquo theory) that occurred approximately 10minus35 s after theBig Bang Dr Shanderarsquos primary goals are to understand the nature of quantum fields inthis era and to identify observational signals that can test whether this inflationary phasedid indeed exist
Dr Lirsquos group has developed sophisticated computer codes incorporating detailedphysical processes and the large-scale evolution of structure in the universe to addresssome of the most pressing questions in cosmology ranging from the appearance of the firstsupermassive black holes in the universe to the formation of our own galaxy the MilkyWay
Dr Jeong is extensively involved in large-scale surveys (see above) but also is inves-tigating questions such as the applicability of Einsteinrsquos Theory of General Relativity overthe largest spans of distance and time in the universe and the nature of Dark Energy
The Annual Neighborhood Cosmology Conference
During the spring semesters in 2013 and 2014 the Center hosted a ldquoNeighborhoodCosmology Conferencerdquo that was attended by scientists from a number of local institutionsThis two-day affair brings together approximately 90 astronomers and physicists to discussthe latest developments in cosmology The vast majority of the attendees are students(undergraduate and graduate) and postdocs Institutions that have participated includeJohns Hopkins the University of Pennsylvania the University of Pittsburgh RutgersUniversity Carnegie Mellon University Case Western Reserve University and CornellUniversity In addition to the productive science exchanges the conference is a usefulrecruiting tool for the Physics and the Astronomy Departments
Special recognition is due to Dr Shandera and Ms Randi Neshteruk for their superborganizational efforts for the conferences
Conclusion
Center scientists have been at the forefront of cosmological research for more than adecade and their leadership roles in a number of major current and near-future projectspromises to maintain Penn Statersquos high profile in this exciting and important field Anindication of the Centerrsquos scientific impact is that since the Centerrsquos creation in mid-2011Center scientists have published 208 peer-reviewed papers these works have garnered 6570citations We expect that this rate of productivity will increase due to the addition of recentfaculty hires and as results are produced by the major new projects (NuStar SDSS-IVHETDEX) The Physics and the Astronomy Departments were both highly-ranked by the2010 National Research Councilrsquos review and the high-profile activity of the Center willplay an important role in maintaining and bolstering this reputation
13 13 13 13 13 13 The13 primary13 goal13 of13 our13 center13 is13 to13 foster13 research13 and13 education13 in13 some13 fundamental13 areas13 at13 the13 forefront13 of13 theoretical13 and13 mathematical13 physics13 These13 areas13 include13 theories13 that13 attempt13 to13 unify13 Einsteins13 theory13 of13 gravity13 and13 quantum13 mechanics13 general13 relativity13 and13 supergravity13 cosmology13 non-shy‐commutative13 geometry13 and13 related13 areas13 of13 mathematics13 and13 philosophy13 of13 science13 We13 have13 faculty13 members13 from13 Physics13 Mathematics13 as13 well13 as13 Philosophy13 Department13 13 13 The13 two13 leading13 approaches13 to13 quantum13 gravity13 are13 both13 represented13 at13 our13 center13 namely13 loop13 quantum13 gravity13 and13 string13 theory13 Loop13 quantum13 gravity13 which13 was13 developed13 mainly13 here13 at13 Penn13 State13 attempts13 to13 quantize13 gravity13 in13 four13 space-shy‐time13 dimensions13 by13 itself13 13 String13 theory13 is13 more13 ambitious13 and13 attempts13 to13 unify13 all13 known13 forces13 of13 nature13 including13 gravity13 in13 a13 quantum13 mechanically13 consistent13 framework13 13 Penn13 State13 is13 the13 only13 US13 institution13 where13 both13 of13 these13 approaches13 are13 being13 developed13 13 13 At13 any13 given13 time13 the13 researchers13 in13 our13 center13 work13 on13 many13 exciting13 and13 interesting13 problems13 Currently13 we13 have13 a13 major13 research13 activity13 on13 loop13 quantum13 cosmology13 which13 was13 initiated13 and13 largely13 developed13 here13 in13 our13 center13 by13 Martin13 Bojowald13 Abhay13 Ashtekar13 and13 their13 coworkers13 13 By13 now13 this13 is13 a13 very13 active13 area13 of13 research13 among13 physicists13 that13 work13 on13 loop13 quantum13 gravity13 worldwide13 13 The13 original13 singularity13 of13 the13 classical13 theory13 of13 general13 relativity13 corresponding13 to13 the13 big13 bang13 gets13 resolved13 due13 to13 quantum13
effects13 and13 the13 big13 bang13 and13 big13 crunch13 singularities13 are13 replaced13 by13 big13 bounces13 in13 some13 of13 the13 loop13 quantum13 cosmology13 models13 13 13 The13 researchers13 in13 this13 field13 are13 currently13 trying13 to13 understand13 the13 physics13 of13 the13 early13 universe13 and13 thereby13 explain13 the13 current13 cosmological13 observations13 such13 as13 the13 large-shy‐scale13 structure13 of13 the13 observed13 universe13 13 13 Another13 current13 major13 research13 area13 in13 the13 center13 is13 the13 work13 on13 scattering13 amplitude13 calculations13 in13 supergravity13 theories13 and13 study13 of13 their13 finiteness13 properties13 13 Supergravity13 theories13 are13 extensions13 of13 Einsteinrsquos13 theory13 of13 general13 relativity13 whose13 quantization13 leads13 to13 additional13 particles13 other13 than13 the13 graviton13 which13 mediates13 the13 gravitational13 force13 13 Through13 a13 remarkable13 tour13 de13 force13 of13 technical13 calculation13 Radu13 Roiban13 and13 his13 co-shy‐workers13 showed13 that13 the13 maximal13 supergravity13 is13 finite13 up13 to13 four13 loops13 in13 perturbative13 quantum13 theory13 13 This13 was13 an13 unexpected13 result13 since13 the13 perturbative13 quantization13 of13 Einsteinrsquos13 general13 relativity13 leads13 to13 incurable13 infinities13 already13 at13 two13 loops13 This13 work13 has13 been13 one13 of13 the13 main13 motivators13 for13 the13 exciting13 and13 important13 developments13 in13 the13 field13 of13 amplitude13 calculations13 in13 supergravity13 and13 supersymmetric13 field13 theories13 in13 recent13 years13 13 13 One13 of13 our13 main13 activities13 is13 to13 organize13 workshops13 on13 recent13 exciting13 developments13 in13 areas13 represented13 in13 our13 Center13 These13 workshops13 have13 been13 very13 successful13 and13 contributed13 to13 the13 visibility13 of13 our13 Center13 greatly13 by13 bringing13 leading13 scientists13 working13 in13 these13 areas13 to13 Penn13 State13 They13 also13 foster13 the13 synergy13 in13 the13 Center13 For13 example13 last13 year13 M13 Bojowald13 M13 Gunaydin13 and13 P13 Xu13 organized13 a13 workshop13 on13 Non-shy‐Associativity13 in13 Physics13 and13 Related13 Mathematical13 Structures13 that13 brought13 together13 physicists13 and13 mathematicians13 including13 a13 field13 medalist13 13 Similarly13 in13 201313 A13 Ashtekar13 G13 Fleming13 and13 E13 Grosholz13 organized13 a13 workshop13 on13 Cosmology13 and13 Time13 that13 brought13 physicists13 and13 philosophers13 together13 We13 also13 initiated13 a13 series13 of13 workshops13 rotating13 between13 Penn13 State13 the13 Albert13 Einstein13 Institute13 in13 Potsdam13 Germany13 Cambridge13 University13 Imperial13 College13 and13 Texas13 AampM13 University13 13 13 13 Murat13 Gunaydin13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 February13 1613 201513
- Agenda
- 15rep-cavener
- Letter to the editor_ Lecture was outstanding _ Letters to the Editor _ CentreDaily
- governance-13
- CPGA-Highlights
- AMON Slides for Dean Cavener
-
- Pages from AMON_Statuspdf
- Pages from AMON_Status-2pdf
- Pages from AMON_Status-3pdf
- AMON MoU Listpdf
-
- ctocshort
- CFT_2015
-
Structure and Governance bull Internal Advisory Board Chaired by the Dean of
ECOS members Padma Raghavan Larry Ramsey Nitin Samarth Andrew Stephenson and Yuxi Zheng
bull External Advisory Board of six for guidance on scientific issues and development goals
bull Members Over 100 researchers in Astronomy amp Astrophysics Mathematics Physics and Philosophy of Science ~31 PSU (+ 3 visiting) faculty ~ 25 post-docs ~45 graduate students ~5 undergraduates
bull Underlying vision The Institute has been a living entity that evolves to adapt to new intellectual opportunities (began with only one Center and ~15 researchers)
bull Theoretical Science Beyond Einstein
bull New Windows on the Universe from the earliest epochs to present day Only institute where all Four Fundamental Forces of Nature are being used to explore the cosmos
The Three Current IGC Centers
Ongoing Creative interplay between theory and observations
Unique Strengths
bull The distinguishing feature of IGC is that its three Centers interact in a synergistic manner to fully exploit new intellectual opportunities
bull IGC is unique in its attempt to answer the big open questions on the nature of our cosmos by observing it through windows that use all four fundamental forces
bull We are also well-placed to build bridges across disciplines Gamma ray bursts relate to gravitational waves sources of neutrinos cosmic rays quantum nature of space-time Cosmology requires input from astrophysics and quantum gravity String theory has had great influence on contemporary mathematicshellip
While making significant advances in forefront areas we also aspire to create new disciplines across boundaries IGC is extremely well placed for this task Prior examples bull Loop Quantum gravity - and its sub-field of loop quantum cosmology - was created by researchers at CFTCTOC Now hundreds of papers appear every year in the field
bull Researchers at CPGA have played seminal role in the development of the theory of gamma ray bursts and their afterglows
bull The Institute played a major role in the crystallization of the new field of gravitational wave astronomy through its NSF Frontier Center for Gravitational Wave Physics
As a direct result of research at IGC new subject lines have been created in the Physics and Astronomy Society Classification System
Research Goals
Education Research Training bull IGC faculty have mentored a large number of undergraduate
and graduate students as well as post-docs in emerging disciplines with special attention to women and under-represented minorities Undergraduates from the Schreyer Honors College regularly write their thesis under the supervision of IGC faculty
bull Over the years we have trained ~190 individuals as post-docs They spent over ~370 person-years at the Institute About 23 of them now hold faculty positions in universities world-wide and ~30 hold Chairs Directorships andor lead influential research groups world-wide The rest are pursuing successful research-oriented careers in colleges or industry
bull Last year the IAB approved a new initiative the IGC post-doctoral Scholar Program that is now enabling us to attract even more outstanding post-docs who are short listed in top academic institutions but choose to come to IGC
Outreach
Outreach bull IGC is deeply involved in outreach
Semi-popular and popular lectures world-wide Featured in TV and other documentaries a 43 minute YouTube video on
Loop Quantum Cosmology has had over 75000 hits since August 2013 Workshop on lsquoExtreme Particle Astrophysicsrsquo for high school teachers Semi-popular books two recently featured in book clubs Forefront research has featured widely in semi-popular press including
The Economist Fox News The New York Times MSNBC Nature National Geographic Science Scientific American US News and World Report as well as European South American and Asian Press (Bild der Wissenschaft New Scientist Spectrum Volksprant La Recherche The Telegraph hellip )
bull At PSU Several press releases a year popular lectures hellip through Barbara Kennedyrsquos office The Frontiers of Science Lecture series started at IGC and then extended by ECOS to other disciplines This yearrsquos series celebrating the 100th anniversary of Einsteinrsquos discovery of General Relativity is co-sponsored by IGC Each of the 4 lectures to date drew an audience of over 400 and the excellence of these lectures has prompted Letters to the Editor in CDT
CentreDailycomLetter to the editor Lecture was outstandingFebruary 12 2015
Google PlusMore
LinkedinRedditYouTube
E-mailPrint
I had the privilege of hearing one of the best scientific talks I have ever attended
Nergis Malvalvala a professor of astrophysics from MIT held her audience spellbound Saturday as shedescribed ldquoThe Warped Side of the Universerdquo as part of Penn Statersquos Frontiers of Science annual lectureseries for the general public
In less than an hour using easy-to-conceptualize real-world analogies such as ldquoputting a bowling ball on aseat cushionrdquo or likening light waves to extroverts at a party who interact with anyone they happen to meet(as opposed to the ldquointrovertedrdquo gravitational waves that donrsquot interact very much with others) this amazingyoung woman explained some basic and some quite complex physical and astrophysical concepts involvingthe measurement of light waves and gravitational waves identifying black holes and the behavior of neutronstars and pulsars
She accomplished this extraordinary feat like a skilled magician keeping up a steady stream of casualconversation cracking occasional jokes and periodically making sure the audience was following the storyso that she could pull the rabbit out of the hat while we werenrsquot looking
I wish she had been my high school physics teacher I might have become an astronaut
The topic of this yearrsquos lecture series is 100 Years after Einsteinrsquos Theory of Relativity New Science fromGeneral Relativity The lectures in this free public mini-course are recorded and can be accessed atsciencepsuedunews-and-eventsfrontiers
Carol Anderson
State College
Google PlusMore
LinkedinRedditYouTube
E-mailPrint
Join The ConversationCentre Daily Times is pleased to provide this opportunity to share information experiences and observationsabout whats in the news Some of the comments may be reprinted elsewhere in the site or in thenewspaper We encourage lively open debate on the issues of the day and ask that you refrain fromprofanity hate speech personal comments and remarks that are off point Thank you for taking the time tooffer your thoughts
Commenting FAQs | Terms of Service
Email Newsletters gtManage newsletter subscriptions
Tablets gtApps and services for tablet devices
Mobile gtApps and services for your mobile phone
Social Media gtGet updates via Facebook and Twitter
e-Edition gtYour daily paper delivered to your computer
Home Delivery gtManage your home delivery account
Digital Subscriptions gtManage your online subscriptions
copy 2015 wwwcentredailycom and wire service sources All Rights Reserved httpwwwcentredailycom
Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos Governance Plan
The Pennsylvania State University has established the Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos It builds upon the success of the prior Institute for Gravitational Physics and Geometry The primary mission of the institute is to promote excellence in research by facilitating synergy between various areas it encompasses It will foster collaborative research and activities leading to a deeper understanding of the physical cosmos we inhabit and hopefully to the creation of new recognized disciplines The Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos encompasses three interrelated centers Center for Fundamental Theory (CFT)
Center for Particle and Gravitational Astrophysics (CPGA) Center for Theoretical and Observational Cosmology (CTOC)
With its emphasis on interdisciplinary studies the IGC is more than the sum of these centers It stimulates collaborative research between centers as well as within each center Internal Advisory Board This board advises and provides direction to the institute leadership on all matters relating to its governance and operation The dean of the Eberly College of Science is the Chair of the Internal Advisory Board He is responsible for changes in its membership in consultation with the institute director This board appoints the associate director and the center directors upon recommendation by the institute director The institute director will consult with faculty members before making the recommendation The Internal Advisory Board also approves nominations for new faculty members and renewals of current faculty These nominations are made by the institute members through the institute director and associate director Members of the Internal Advisory Board are appointed to renewable 3 year terms External Advisory Board The dean of the Eberly College of Science also chairs the External Advisory Board He is responsible for changes in its membership in consultation with the institute director The External Advisory Board consults on scientific matters and also on development strategies Its membership would include distinguished scientists in fields representing all of the centers as well as community leaders who are able to provide advice on development strategies Director Working with members the director will create and articulate shared scientific vision for the institute He also has the primary responsibility for the institute administration The director holds a standing position and will undergo reviews as per PSU policies Institute resources are apportioned by the director in consultation with the associate director the center directors and the Internal Advisory Board as needed The director is responsible for an annual report to the Internal Advisory Board summarizing the activities of the institute The annual report will be open to all faculty members Associate Director The associate director participates in all major administrative
decisions The director and associate director are free to divide among themselves the charge of day-to-day governance issues The term of appointment can be up to 3 years and may be renewed by the Internal Advisory Board in consultation with the director Center Directors The center directors are responsible for administering their separate centers They represent their centers acting in consultation with their faculty members as well as the institute director and associate director Each center director provides information on the activities of the center for the annual report by the institute director Appointment durations can be up to 3 years and may be renewed by the Internal Advisory Board in consultation with the institute director Faculty members Penn State faculty members may be appointed to membership in the institute by the Internal Advisory Board upon nomination by the institute director Appointments are made for up to 3 years at a time but may be renewed by the same procedure Each faculty member of the institute will also be a member of at least one of its centers An institute member who is a member of more than one center is expected to identify a primary affiliation with one of them Membership in the institute and its centers normally extends also to research associates postdoctoral scholars and research students who are working with a faculty member on topics within the scope of the institute These members participate in institute activities benefit from institute-sponsored programs and meetings and are listed in the institute directory The institute director and associate director are responsible for maintaining the full list of current members through consultation with the faculty members This document provides governance guidelines for the initial phase of the IGC Since establishment of the IGC is rather special in many respects this document may be revised and updated on an ongoing basis at the discretion of the Internal Advisory Board Approved by the Internal Advisory Board January 30th 2008
Center13 for13 Particle13 and13 Gravitational13 Astrophysics13 13
Highlights13 13
Most13 exciting13 eventsdiscoveries13 from13 CPGA13 13 13 (1) Swift13 201113 ndash13 Discovery13 of13 star13 disruption13 by13 a13 million13 solar13 mass13
black13 hole13 leading13 to13 a13 gamma-shy‐ray13 emitting13 relativistic13 jet13 13 13 (2) IceCube13 2011-shy‐201213 ndash13 Impose13 first13 serious13 constraints13 on13 neutrino13
emission13 and13 cosmic13 ray13 acceleration13 in13 Gamma13 Ray13 Bursts13 13 (3) IceCube13 2013-shy‐201413 ndash13 Discover13 the13 first13 ldquoguaranteed13 astrophysicalrdquo13
origin13 neutrinos13 at13 TeV-shy‐PeV13 energies13 ndash13 source13 unknown13 so13 far13 13 (4) Auger13 measured13 (2008-shy‐2009)13 the13 ldquoGZKrdquo13 cutoff13 in13 the13 highest13 energy13
cosmic13 rays13 ever13 measured13 (1E2013 eV13 fast13 baseball13 10013 kmhr)13 13 (5) Advanced-shy‐LIGO13 Livingston13 site13 operating13 Hanford13 next13 summer13
next13 science13 run13 this13 fall13 13 13 (6) HAWC13 completed13 instrumenting13 full13 tanks13 inaugural13 conference13 in13
March13 will13 observe13 gamma13 rays13 at13 energies13 above13 those13 of13 Fermi13 spacecraft13 13
13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
13 13
Pierre Auger ObservatoryPublic Event Explorer
Page hosted by the Auger group atColorado State University
Imagery copy2013 TerraMetrics Map data copy2013 Google -
The
AM
ON
Idea
13 13 13 13 13 13 Triggering13 observatories13 13 bull Provide13 sub-shy‐threshold13
candidate13 events13 to13 AMON13 in13 real13 me13
The13 AMON13 Idea13
bull Seeks13 coincidences13 in13 me13 and13 space13 bull Generates13 alerts13 -shy‐13 broadcast13 and13 archived13 bull Enables13 archival13 analyses13
bull respond13 to13 AMON13 alerts13
413 AMON13
ν13 ϒ13
gw13 n13
Use13 messenger13 parcles13 of13 all13 four13 fundamental13 forces13
x13 UV13 opcal13 13
ϒ13
AMON13
Follow-shy‐up13 observatories13 13
The
AM
ON
Idea
13
513 AMON13
The13 AMON13 Idea13
Future13
Status13 quo13
Many13 bilateral13 agreements13 among13 various13 observatories13 and13 cross-shy‐collaborave13 analyses13 13 No13 unified13 mullateral13 agreement13 and13 unified13 13 analyses13 of13 mulmessenger13 data13 13 Mostly13 unidireconal13 13 13
AMON13 serves13 as13 a13 central13 hub13 for13 collecng13 data13 from13 various13 mulmessenger13 facilies13 13 Performs13 unified13 analyses13 on13 mulmessenger13 data13 13 13 Gain13 in13 effecve13 aggregate13 sensivity13 13 Simplified13 protocols13 of13 cross-shy‐collaborave13 analyses13
AM
ON
Netw
ork13
613 14-shy‐12-shy‐1013 AMON13
13 13 13 13 13 613 Memoranda13 of13 Understandings13 (MoUs)13 signed13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 113 MoU13 in13 review13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 213 more13 leYer13 of13 collaboraon13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 many13 more13 in13 the13 future13 13
Triggering13 13 IceCube13 ANTARES13 Auger13 HAWC13 VERITAS13 SwiG13 BAThellip13 13 13 13
Follow-shy‐up13 13 SwiG13 XRT13 ampUVOT13 VERITAS13 13
hYpamongravitypsuedu13 13
AstropPhys13 Vol13 4513 56ndash7013 201313 13
Overview for the Center for Theoretical and Observational Cosmology
The study of the large-scale properties and evolution of the cosmos is one of the mostintellectually challenging and exciting scientific endeavors of the early 21st century Thisfield of research addresses the most fundamental questions that can be posed and is one ofgreat public interest Scientists at the Center for Theoretical and Observational Cosmologyare engaged in a wide variety of activities frequently holding scientific leadership positionsin large international collaborations that are probing the basic properties of the universeThe Centerrsquos research efforts are concentrated in Wide-Area Cosmological Surveys theHigh-Energy Universe and Theoretical Investigations of the conditions in the extremelyearly universe and the formation and evolution of large structures throughout cosmic time
Wide-Area Cosmological Surveys
The foundation of these recent advances are the wide-area (covering a significant frac-tion of the sky) high-quality surveys that have been undertaken in the past two decadesThe most prominent of these projects is the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) The SDSSobservations of galaxies and quasars allowed the construction of detailed maps of the dis-tribution of matter in the universe the structures that are detected are some of the mostimportant constraints on theoretical models of the properties and evolution of the universe
During SDSSrsquos first decade Penn State scientists were in charge of the quasar scienceof the survey On several occasions during this period the SDSS quasar team identified themost distant known object in the universe and discovered (after astronomers had searchedfor nearly 40 years) the era when the intergalactic medium transitioned from a neutral toan ionized state Penn State has joined the fourth phase (which started on 1 July 2014)as an institutional member Drs Niel Brandt and Michael Eracleous (observational) andSarah Shandera and Donghui Jeong (theoretical) are actively engaged in SDSS-IV
Penn State is playing an important part in another large cosmological survey theHobby-Eberly Telescope Dark Energy Experiment (HETDEX) which should begin obser-vations in late 2015 The goal of this multi-year project is to identify approximately onemillion galaxies in the era when the universe was only a quarter of its current linear sizerevealing information about the rate of expansion of the universe at that time and providea key constraint on cosmological models In preparation for this ambitious project theHETDEX Pilot Survey was undertaken using one of the smaller telescopes at McDon-ald Observatory Drs Robin Ciardullo Caryl Gronwall and Jeong are now analyzingand publishing of the Pilot Survey results which are revealing the physical conditions ingalaxies billions of years in the past
Every ten years the US Astronomical Community produces a report that lists thehighest priorities for the next decade the top-ranked project for ground-based astronomyin the most recent document was the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) The LSSTwill be able to obtain images of approximately 50 of the sky every few nights providinginsights on issues ranging from our cosmic neighborhood (identifying and tracking ldquokillerasteroidsrdquo) to the most distant reaches of the universe (properties of Dark Energy) PennState has been an institutional member of this large international project since 2005 andhas been an active participant of the governance and science planning Dr Brandt is incharge of developing the plan for LSSTrsquoS deepest observations
The High-Energy Universe
High-energy astrophysics (X-rays and γ-rays) has long been one of Penn Statersquosstrengths The two signature projects are the design and construction of the primaryinstrument for the Chandra spacecraft one of NASArsquos ldquoGreat Observatoriesrdquo and PennStatersquos major role in NASArsquos Swift satellite which studies γ-ray bursts (GRBs) In ad-dition Dr Brandt is heavily involved in the NuSTAR (Nuclear Spectroscopic TelescopeArray) satellite program which began taking observations in 2012
Chandra launched in 1999 has provided our sharpest and deepest view of the X-rayuniverse Dr Brandt has led a series of studies that have revealed the characteristics ofhigh-energy emission from the first supermassive black holes to form in the universe HisldquoSix Megasecondrdquo image of a small piece of sky created with an exposure time of nearly70 days has revealed hundreds of faint X-ray sources The faintest objects are such thatthe X-ray instrument detects one photon from the source every two weeks
Penn State developed two of the three instruments on the Swift satellite and runsSwiftrsquos Mission Operations Center Center scientists Drs Peter Meszaros and Derek Foxhave made major contributions to this project Swift scans the sky for GRBs which arebrief flashes (timescale of a second) of extremely high-energy photons Within minutes ofdetecting a GRB Swift automatically points the onboard X-ray and optical telescopes to-wards the estimated direction of the event and immediately transmits an accurate positionof the event to observers around the world Despite the planned three-year operationallifetime after its 2004 launch NASA has repeatedly extended the mission because of therevolutionary scientific returns that Swift continues to produce
Swift discoveries include 1) the first precise locations of ldquoshortrdquo (less than a secondduration) GRBs providing solid support for the proposal that these GRBs are producedby mergers of two neutron stars 2) the first detection of the X-rays shock break-out from asupernova 3) the detection of long faint GRB which ground-based observations revealedto be the most distant known stellar object at a redshift of 93 4) the first observationsof a relativistic jet produced by the tidal disruption of star by a massive black hole5) discovering a GRB located at a distance of several billion light-years that was sobright it was visible to the naked eye for several seconds and 6) detection of a burst thatproduced for a few seconds an amount of electromagnetic energy that was comparable tothat of the entire rest of the universe
NuSTAR which is providing a view of the universe in the high X-ray regime is now inits third year of operations Dr Brandtrsquos group has led a number of studies based on thenew data that have provided insights into the properties and environments of supermassiveblack holes located in the centers of galaxies
Theoretical Cosmology at the Center
Dr Shanderarsquos research concentrates on the first moments of the universersquos existencein particular the period when the universe is thought to have undergone an incredibly rapidphase of expansion (the ldquoinflationrdquo theory) that occurred approximately 10minus35 s after theBig Bang Dr Shanderarsquos primary goals are to understand the nature of quantum fields inthis era and to identify observational signals that can test whether this inflationary phasedid indeed exist
Dr Lirsquos group has developed sophisticated computer codes incorporating detailedphysical processes and the large-scale evolution of structure in the universe to addresssome of the most pressing questions in cosmology ranging from the appearance of the firstsupermassive black holes in the universe to the formation of our own galaxy the MilkyWay
Dr Jeong is extensively involved in large-scale surveys (see above) but also is inves-tigating questions such as the applicability of Einsteinrsquos Theory of General Relativity overthe largest spans of distance and time in the universe and the nature of Dark Energy
The Annual Neighborhood Cosmology Conference
During the spring semesters in 2013 and 2014 the Center hosted a ldquoNeighborhoodCosmology Conferencerdquo that was attended by scientists from a number of local institutionsThis two-day affair brings together approximately 90 astronomers and physicists to discussthe latest developments in cosmology The vast majority of the attendees are students(undergraduate and graduate) and postdocs Institutions that have participated includeJohns Hopkins the University of Pennsylvania the University of Pittsburgh RutgersUniversity Carnegie Mellon University Case Western Reserve University and CornellUniversity In addition to the productive science exchanges the conference is a usefulrecruiting tool for the Physics and the Astronomy Departments
Special recognition is due to Dr Shandera and Ms Randi Neshteruk for their superborganizational efforts for the conferences
Conclusion
Center scientists have been at the forefront of cosmological research for more than adecade and their leadership roles in a number of major current and near-future projectspromises to maintain Penn Statersquos high profile in this exciting and important field Anindication of the Centerrsquos scientific impact is that since the Centerrsquos creation in mid-2011Center scientists have published 208 peer-reviewed papers these works have garnered 6570citations We expect that this rate of productivity will increase due to the addition of recentfaculty hires and as results are produced by the major new projects (NuStar SDSS-IVHETDEX) The Physics and the Astronomy Departments were both highly-ranked by the2010 National Research Councilrsquos review and the high-profile activity of the Center willplay an important role in maintaining and bolstering this reputation
13 13 13 13 13 13 The13 primary13 goal13 of13 our13 center13 is13 to13 foster13 research13 and13 education13 in13 some13 fundamental13 areas13 at13 the13 forefront13 of13 theoretical13 and13 mathematical13 physics13 These13 areas13 include13 theories13 that13 attempt13 to13 unify13 Einsteins13 theory13 of13 gravity13 and13 quantum13 mechanics13 general13 relativity13 and13 supergravity13 cosmology13 non-shy‐commutative13 geometry13 and13 related13 areas13 of13 mathematics13 and13 philosophy13 of13 science13 We13 have13 faculty13 members13 from13 Physics13 Mathematics13 as13 well13 as13 Philosophy13 Department13 13 13 The13 two13 leading13 approaches13 to13 quantum13 gravity13 are13 both13 represented13 at13 our13 center13 namely13 loop13 quantum13 gravity13 and13 string13 theory13 Loop13 quantum13 gravity13 which13 was13 developed13 mainly13 here13 at13 Penn13 State13 attempts13 to13 quantize13 gravity13 in13 four13 space-shy‐time13 dimensions13 by13 itself13 13 String13 theory13 is13 more13 ambitious13 and13 attempts13 to13 unify13 all13 known13 forces13 of13 nature13 including13 gravity13 in13 a13 quantum13 mechanically13 consistent13 framework13 13 Penn13 State13 is13 the13 only13 US13 institution13 where13 both13 of13 these13 approaches13 are13 being13 developed13 13 13 At13 any13 given13 time13 the13 researchers13 in13 our13 center13 work13 on13 many13 exciting13 and13 interesting13 problems13 Currently13 we13 have13 a13 major13 research13 activity13 on13 loop13 quantum13 cosmology13 which13 was13 initiated13 and13 largely13 developed13 here13 in13 our13 center13 by13 Martin13 Bojowald13 Abhay13 Ashtekar13 and13 their13 coworkers13 13 By13 now13 this13 is13 a13 very13 active13 area13 of13 research13 among13 physicists13 that13 work13 on13 loop13 quantum13 gravity13 worldwide13 13 The13 original13 singularity13 of13 the13 classical13 theory13 of13 general13 relativity13 corresponding13 to13 the13 big13 bang13 gets13 resolved13 due13 to13 quantum13
effects13 and13 the13 big13 bang13 and13 big13 crunch13 singularities13 are13 replaced13 by13 big13 bounces13 in13 some13 of13 the13 loop13 quantum13 cosmology13 models13 13 13 The13 researchers13 in13 this13 field13 are13 currently13 trying13 to13 understand13 the13 physics13 of13 the13 early13 universe13 and13 thereby13 explain13 the13 current13 cosmological13 observations13 such13 as13 the13 large-shy‐scale13 structure13 of13 the13 observed13 universe13 13 13 Another13 current13 major13 research13 area13 in13 the13 center13 is13 the13 work13 on13 scattering13 amplitude13 calculations13 in13 supergravity13 theories13 and13 study13 of13 their13 finiteness13 properties13 13 Supergravity13 theories13 are13 extensions13 of13 Einsteinrsquos13 theory13 of13 general13 relativity13 whose13 quantization13 leads13 to13 additional13 particles13 other13 than13 the13 graviton13 which13 mediates13 the13 gravitational13 force13 13 Through13 a13 remarkable13 tour13 de13 force13 of13 technical13 calculation13 Radu13 Roiban13 and13 his13 co-shy‐workers13 showed13 that13 the13 maximal13 supergravity13 is13 finite13 up13 to13 four13 loops13 in13 perturbative13 quantum13 theory13 13 This13 was13 an13 unexpected13 result13 since13 the13 perturbative13 quantization13 of13 Einsteinrsquos13 general13 relativity13 leads13 to13 incurable13 infinities13 already13 at13 two13 loops13 This13 work13 has13 been13 one13 of13 the13 main13 motivators13 for13 the13 exciting13 and13 important13 developments13 in13 the13 field13 of13 amplitude13 calculations13 in13 supergravity13 and13 supersymmetric13 field13 theories13 in13 recent13 years13 13 13 One13 of13 our13 main13 activities13 is13 to13 organize13 workshops13 on13 recent13 exciting13 developments13 in13 areas13 represented13 in13 our13 Center13 These13 workshops13 have13 been13 very13 successful13 and13 contributed13 to13 the13 visibility13 of13 our13 Center13 greatly13 by13 bringing13 leading13 scientists13 working13 in13 these13 areas13 to13 Penn13 State13 They13 also13 foster13 the13 synergy13 in13 the13 Center13 For13 example13 last13 year13 M13 Bojowald13 M13 Gunaydin13 and13 P13 Xu13 organized13 a13 workshop13 on13 Non-shy‐Associativity13 in13 Physics13 and13 Related13 Mathematical13 Structures13 that13 brought13 together13 physicists13 and13 mathematicians13 including13 a13 field13 medalist13 13 Similarly13 in13 201313 A13 Ashtekar13 G13 Fleming13 and13 E13 Grosholz13 organized13 a13 workshop13 on13 Cosmology13 and13 Time13 that13 brought13 physicists13 and13 philosophers13 together13 We13 also13 initiated13 a13 series13 of13 workshops13 rotating13 between13 Penn13 State13 the13 Albert13 Einstein13 Institute13 in13 Potsdam13 Germany13 Cambridge13 University13 Imperial13 College13 and13 Texas13 AampM13 University13 13 13 13 Murat13 Gunaydin13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 February13 1613 201513
- Agenda
- 15rep-cavener
- Letter to the editor_ Lecture was outstanding _ Letters to the Editor _ CentreDaily
- governance-13
- CPGA-Highlights
- AMON Slides for Dean Cavener
-
- Pages from AMON_Statuspdf
- Pages from AMON_Status-2pdf
- Pages from AMON_Status-3pdf
- AMON MoU Listpdf
-
- ctocshort
- CFT_2015
-
bull Theoretical Science Beyond Einstein
bull New Windows on the Universe from the earliest epochs to present day Only institute where all Four Fundamental Forces of Nature are being used to explore the cosmos
The Three Current IGC Centers
Ongoing Creative interplay between theory and observations
Unique Strengths
bull The distinguishing feature of IGC is that its three Centers interact in a synergistic manner to fully exploit new intellectual opportunities
bull IGC is unique in its attempt to answer the big open questions on the nature of our cosmos by observing it through windows that use all four fundamental forces
bull We are also well-placed to build bridges across disciplines Gamma ray bursts relate to gravitational waves sources of neutrinos cosmic rays quantum nature of space-time Cosmology requires input from astrophysics and quantum gravity String theory has had great influence on contemporary mathematicshellip
While making significant advances in forefront areas we also aspire to create new disciplines across boundaries IGC is extremely well placed for this task Prior examples bull Loop Quantum gravity - and its sub-field of loop quantum cosmology - was created by researchers at CFTCTOC Now hundreds of papers appear every year in the field
bull Researchers at CPGA have played seminal role in the development of the theory of gamma ray bursts and their afterglows
bull The Institute played a major role in the crystallization of the new field of gravitational wave astronomy through its NSF Frontier Center for Gravitational Wave Physics
As a direct result of research at IGC new subject lines have been created in the Physics and Astronomy Society Classification System
Research Goals
Education Research Training bull IGC faculty have mentored a large number of undergraduate
and graduate students as well as post-docs in emerging disciplines with special attention to women and under-represented minorities Undergraduates from the Schreyer Honors College regularly write their thesis under the supervision of IGC faculty
bull Over the years we have trained ~190 individuals as post-docs They spent over ~370 person-years at the Institute About 23 of them now hold faculty positions in universities world-wide and ~30 hold Chairs Directorships andor lead influential research groups world-wide The rest are pursuing successful research-oriented careers in colleges or industry
bull Last year the IAB approved a new initiative the IGC post-doctoral Scholar Program that is now enabling us to attract even more outstanding post-docs who are short listed in top academic institutions but choose to come to IGC
Outreach
Outreach bull IGC is deeply involved in outreach
Semi-popular and popular lectures world-wide Featured in TV and other documentaries a 43 minute YouTube video on
Loop Quantum Cosmology has had over 75000 hits since August 2013 Workshop on lsquoExtreme Particle Astrophysicsrsquo for high school teachers Semi-popular books two recently featured in book clubs Forefront research has featured widely in semi-popular press including
The Economist Fox News The New York Times MSNBC Nature National Geographic Science Scientific American US News and World Report as well as European South American and Asian Press (Bild der Wissenschaft New Scientist Spectrum Volksprant La Recherche The Telegraph hellip )
bull At PSU Several press releases a year popular lectures hellip through Barbara Kennedyrsquos office The Frontiers of Science Lecture series started at IGC and then extended by ECOS to other disciplines This yearrsquos series celebrating the 100th anniversary of Einsteinrsquos discovery of General Relativity is co-sponsored by IGC Each of the 4 lectures to date drew an audience of over 400 and the excellence of these lectures has prompted Letters to the Editor in CDT
CentreDailycomLetter to the editor Lecture was outstandingFebruary 12 2015
Google PlusMore
LinkedinRedditYouTube
E-mailPrint
I had the privilege of hearing one of the best scientific talks I have ever attended
Nergis Malvalvala a professor of astrophysics from MIT held her audience spellbound Saturday as shedescribed ldquoThe Warped Side of the Universerdquo as part of Penn Statersquos Frontiers of Science annual lectureseries for the general public
In less than an hour using easy-to-conceptualize real-world analogies such as ldquoputting a bowling ball on aseat cushionrdquo or likening light waves to extroverts at a party who interact with anyone they happen to meet(as opposed to the ldquointrovertedrdquo gravitational waves that donrsquot interact very much with others) this amazingyoung woman explained some basic and some quite complex physical and astrophysical concepts involvingthe measurement of light waves and gravitational waves identifying black holes and the behavior of neutronstars and pulsars
She accomplished this extraordinary feat like a skilled magician keeping up a steady stream of casualconversation cracking occasional jokes and periodically making sure the audience was following the storyso that she could pull the rabbit out of the hat while we werenrsquot looking
I wish she had been my high school physics teacher I might have become an astronaut
The topic of this yearrsquos lecture series is 100 Years after Einsteinrsquos Theory of Relativity New Science fromGeneral Relativity The lectures in this free public mini-course are recorded and can be accessed atsciencepsuedunews-and-eventsfrontiers
Carol Anderson
State College
Google PlusMore
LinkedinRedditYouTube
E-mailPrint
Join The ConversationCentre Daily Times is pleased to provide this opportunity to share information experiences and observationsabout whats in the news Some of the comments may be reprinted elsewhere in the site or in thenewspaper We encourage lively open debate on the issues of the day and ask that you refrain fromprofanity hate speech personal comments and remarks that are off point Thank you for taking the time tooffer your thoughts
Commenting FAQs | Terms of Service
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copy 2015 wwwcentredailycom and wire service sources All Rights Reserved httpwwwcentredailycom
Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos Governance Plan
The Pennsylvania State University has established the Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos It builds upon the success of the prior Institute for Gravitational Physics and Geometry The primary mission of the institute is to promote excellence in research by facilitating synergy between various areas it encompasses It will foster collaborative research and activities leading to a deeper understanding of the physical cosmos we inhabit and hopefully to the creation of new recognized disciplines The Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos encompasses three interrelated centers Center for Fundamental Theory (CFT)
Center for Particle and Gravitational Astrophysics (CPGA) Center for Theoretical and Observational Cosmology (CTOC)
With its emphasis on interdisciplinary studies the IGC is more than the sum of these centers It stimulates collaborative research between centers as well as within each center Internal Advisory Board This board advises and provides direction to the institute leadership on all matters relating to its governance and operation The dean of the Eberly College of Science is the Chair of the Internal Advisory Board He is responsible for changes in its membership in consultation with the institute director This board appoints the associate director and the center directors upon recommendation by the institute director The institute director will consult with faculty members before making the recommendation The Internal Advisory Board also approves nominations for new faculty members and renewals of current faculty These nominations are made by the institute members through the institute director and associate director Members of the Internal Advisory Board are appointed to renewable 3 year terms External Advisory Board The dean of the Eberly College of Science also chairs the External Advisory Board He is responsible for changes in its membership in consultation with the institute director The External Advisory Board consults on scientific matters and also on development strategies Its membership would include distinguished scientists in fields representing all of the centers as well as community leaders who are able to provide advice on development strategies Director Working with members the director will create and articulate shared scientific vision for the institute He also has the primary responsibility for the institute administration The director holds a standing position and will undergo reviews as per PSU policies Institute resources are apportioned by the director in consultation with the associate director the center directors and the Internal Advisory Board as needed The director is responsible for an annual report to the Internal Advisory Board summarizing the activities of the institute The annual report will be open to all faculty members Associate Director The associate director participates in all major administrative
decisions The director and associate director are free to divide among themselves the charge of day-to-day governance issues The term of appointment can be up to 3 years and may be renewed by the Internal Advisory Board in consultation with the director Center Directors The center directors are responsible for administering their separate centers They represent their centers acting in consultation with their faculty members as well as the institute director and associate director Each center director provides information on the activities of the center for the annual report by the institute director Appointment durations can be up to 3 years and may be renewed by the Internal Advisory Board in consultation with the institute director Faculty members Penn State faculty members may be appointed to membership in the institute by the Internal Advisory Board upon nomination by the institute director Appointments are made for up to 3 years at a time but may be renewed by the same procedure Each faculty member of the institute will also be a member of at least one of its centers An institute member who is a member of more than one center is expected to identify a primary affiliation with one of them Membership in the institute and its centers normally extends also to research associates postdoctoral scholars and research students who are working with a faculty member on topics within the scope of the institute These members participate in institute activities benefit from institute-sponsored programs and meetings and are listed in the institute directory The institute director and associate director are responsible for maintaining the full list of current members through consultation with the faculty members This document provides governance guidelines for the initial phase of the IGC Since establishment of the IGC is rather special in many respects this document may be revised and updated on an ongoing basis at the discretion of the Internal Advisory Board Approved by the Internal Advisory Board January 30th 2008
Center13 for13 Particle13 and13 Gravitational13 Astrophysics13 13
Highlights13 13
Most13 exciting13 eventsdiscoveries13 from13 CPGA13 13 13 (1) Swift13 201113 ndash13 Discovery13 of13 star13 disruption13 by13 a13 million13 solar13 mass13
black13 hole13 leading13 to13 a13 gamma-shy‐ray13 emitting13 relativistic13 jet13 13 13 (2) IceCube13 2011-shy‐201213 ndash13 Impose13 first13 serious13 constraints13 on13 neutrino13
emission13 and13 cosmic13 ray13 acceleration13 in13 Gamma13 Ray13 Bursts13 13 (3) IceCube13 2013-shy‐201413 ndash13 Discover13 the13 first13 ldquoguaranteed13 astrophysicalrdquo13
origin13 neutrinos13 at13 TeV-shy‐PeV13 energies13 ndash13 source13 unknown13 so13 far13 13 (4) Auger13 measured13 (2008-shy‐2009)13 the13 ldquoGZKrdquo13 cutoff13 in13 the13 highest13 energy13
cosmic13 rays13 ever13 measured13 (1E2013 eV13 fast13 baseball13 10013 kmhr)13 13 (5) Advanced-shy‐LIGO13 Livingston13 site13 operating13 Hanford13 next13 summer13
next13 science13 run13 this13 fall13 13 13 (6) HAWC13 completed13 instrumenting13 full13 tanks13 inaugural13 conference13 in13
March13 will13 observe13 gamma13 rays13 at13 energies13 above13 those13 of13 Fermi13 spacecraft13 13
13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
13 13
Pierre Auger ObservatoryPublic Event Explorer
Page hosted by the Auger group atColorado State University
Imagery copy2013 TerraMetrics Map data copy2013 Google -
The
AM
ON
Idea
13 13 13 13 13 13 Triggering13 observatories13 13 bull Provide13 sub-shy‐threshold13
candidate13 events13 to13 AMON13 in13 real13 me13
The13 AMON13 Idea13
bull Seeks13 coincidences13 in13 me13 and13 space13 bull Generates13 alerts13 -shy‐13 broadcast13 and13 archived13 bull Enables13 archival13 analyses13
bull respond13 to13 AMON13 alerts13
413 AMON13
ν13 ϒ13
gw13 n13
Use13 messenger13 parcles13 of13 all13 four13 fundamental13 forces13
x13 UV13 opcal13 13
ϒ13
AMON13
Follow-shy‐up13 observatories13 13
The
AM
ON
Idea
13
513 AMON13
The13 AMON13 Idea13
Future13
Status13 quo13
Many13 bilateral13 agreements13 among13 various13 observatories13 and13 cross-shy‐collaborave13 analyses13 13 No13 unified13 mullateral13 agreement13 and13 unified13 13 analyses13 of13 mulmessenger13 data13 13 Mostly13 unidireconal13 13 13
AMON13 serves13 as13 a13 central13 hub13 for13 collecng13 data13 from13 various13 mulmessenger13 facilies13 13 Performs13 unified13 analyses13 on13 mulmessenger13 data13 13 13 Gain13 in13 effecve13 aggregate13 sensivity13 13 Simplified13 protocols13 of13 cross-shy‐collaborave13 analyses13
AM
ON
Netw
ork13
613 14-shy‐12-shy‐1013 AMON13
13 13 13 13 13 613 Memoranda13 of13 Understandings13 (MoUs)13 signed13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 113 MoU13 in13 review13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 213 more13 leYer13 of13 collaboraon13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 many13 more13 in13 the13 future13 13
Triggering13 13 IceCube13 ANTARES13 Auger13 HAWC13 VERITAS13 SwiG13 BAThellip13 13 13 13
Follow-shy‐up13 13 SwiG13 XRT13 ampUVOT13 VERITAS13 13
hYpamongravitypsuedu13 13
AstropPhys13 Vol13 4513 56ndash7013 201313 13
Overview for the Center for Theoretical and Observational Cosmology
The study of the large-scale properties and evolution of the cosmos is one of the mostintellectually challenging and exciting scientific endeavors of the early 21st century Thisfield of research addresses the most fundamental questions that can be posed and is one ofgreat public interest Scientists at the Center for Theoretical and Observational Cosmologyare engaged in a wide variety of activities frequently holding scientific leadership positionsin large international collaborations that are probing the basic properties of the universeThe Centerrsquos research efforts are concentrated in Wide-Area Cosmological Surveys theHigh-Energy Universe and Theoretical Investigations of the conditions in the extremelyearly universe and the formation and evolution of large structures throughout cosmic time
Wide-Area Cosmological Surveys
The foundation of these recent advances are the wide-area (covering a significant frac-tion of the sky) high-quality surveys that have been undertaken in the past two decadesThe most prominent of these projects is the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) The SDSSobservations of galaxies and quasars allowed the construction of detailed maps of the dis-tribution of matter in the universe the structures that are detected are some of the mostimportant constraints on theoretical models of the properties and evolution of the universe
During SDSSrsquos first decade Penn State scientists were in charge of the quasar scienceof the survey On several occasions during this period the SDSS quasar team identified themost distant known object in the universe and discovered (after astronomers had searchedfor nearly 40 years) the era when the intergalactic medium transitioned from a neutral toan ionized state Penn State has joined the fourth phase (which started on 1 July 2014)as an institutional member Drs Niel Brandt and Michael Eracleous (observational) andSarah Shandera and Donghui Jeong (theoretical) are actively engaged in SDSS-IV
Penn State is playing an important part in another large cosmological survey theHobby-Eberly Telescope Dark Energy Experiment (HETDEX) which should begin obser-vations in late 2015 The goal of this multi-year project is to identify approximately onemillion galaxies in the era when the universe was only a quarter of its current linear sizerevealing information about the rate of expansion of the universe at that time and providea key constraint on cosmological models In preparation for this ambitious project theHETDEX Pilot Survey was undertaken using one of the smaller telescopes at McDon-ald Observatory Drs Robin Ciardullo Caryl Gronwall and Jeong are now analyzingand publishing of the Pilot Survey results which are revealing the physical conditions ingalaxies billions of years in the past
Every ten years the US Astronomical Community produces a report that lists thehighest priorities for the next decade the top-ranked project for ground-based astronomyin the most recent document was the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) The LSSTwill be able to obtain images of approximately 50 of the sky every few nights providinginsights on issues ranging from our cosmic neighborhood (identifying and tracking ldquokillerasteroidsrdquo) to the most distant reaches of the universe (properties of Dark Energy) PennState has been an institutional member of this large international project since 2005 andhas been an active participant of the governance and science planning Dr Brandt is incharge of developing the plan for LSSTrsquoS deepest observations
The High-Energy Universe
High-energy astrophysics (X-rays and γ-rays) has long been one of Penn Statersquosstrengths The two signature projects are the design and construction of the primaryinstrument for the Chandra spacecraft one of NASArsquos ldquoGreat Observatoriesrdquo and PennStatersquos major role in NASArsquos Swift satellite which studies γ-ray bursts (GRBs) In ad-dition Dr Brandt is heavily involved in the NuSTAR (Nuclear Spectroscopic TelescopeArray) satellite program which began taking observations in 2012
Chandra launched in 1999 has provided our sharpest and deepest view of the X-rayuniverse Dr Brandt has led a series of studies that have revealed the characteristics ofhigh-energy emission from the first supermassive black holes to form in the universe HisldquoSix Megasecondrdquo image of a small piece of sky created with an exposure time of nearly70 days has revealed hundreds of faint X-ray sources The faintest objects are such thatthe X-ray instrument detects one photon from the source every two weeks
Penn State developed two of the three instruments on the Swift satellite and runsSwiftrsquos Mission Operations Center Center scientists Drs Peter Meszaros and Derek Foxhave made major contributions to this project Swift scans the sky for GRBs which arebrief flashes (timescale of a second) of extremely high-energy photons Within minutes ofdetecting a GRB Swift automatically points the onboard X-ray and optical telescopes to-wards the estimated direction of the event and immediately transmits an accurate positionof the event to observers around the world Despite the planned three-year operationallifetime after its 2004 launch NASA has repeatedly extended the mission because of therevolutionary scientific returns that Swift continues to produce
Swift discoveries include 1) the first precise locations of ldquoshortrdquo (less than a secondduration) GRBs providing solid support for the proposal that these GRBs are producedby mergers of two neutron stars 2) the first detection of the X-rays shock break-out from asupernova 3) the detection of long faint GRB which ground-based observations revealedto be the most distant known stellar object at a redshift of 93 4) the first observationsof a relativistic jet produced by the tidal disruption of star by a massive black hole5) discovering a GRB located at a distance of several billion light-years that was sobright it was visible to the naked eye for several seconds and 6) detection of a burst thatproduced for a few seconds an amount of electromagnetic energy that was comparable tothat of the entire rest of the universe
NuSTAR which is providing a view of the universe in the high X-ray regime is now inits third year of operations Dr Brandtrsquos group has led a number of studies based on thenew data that have provided insights into the properties and environments of supermassiveblack holes located in the centers of galaxies
Theoretical Cosmology at the Center
Dr Shanderarsquos research concentrates on the first moments of the universersquos existencein particular the period when the universe is thought to have undergone an incredibly rapidphase of expansion (the ldquoinflationrdquo theory) that occurred approximately 10minus35 s after theBig Bang Dr Shanderarsquos primary goals are to understand the nature of quantum fields inthis era and to identify observational signals that can test whether this inflationary phasedid indeed exist
Dr Lirsquos group has developed sophisticated computer codes incorporating detailedphysical processes and the large-scale evolution of structure in the universe to addresssome of the most pressing questions in cosmology ranging from the appearance of the firstsupermassive black holes in the universe to the formation of our own galaxy the MilkyWay
Dr Jeong is extensively involved in large-scale surveys (see above) but also is inves-tigating questions such as the applicability of Einsteinrsquos Theory of General Relativity overthe largest spans of distance and time in the universe and the nature of Dark Energy
The Annual Neighborhood Cosmology Conference
During the spring semesters in 2013 and 2014 the Center hosted a ldquoNeighborhoodCosmology Conferencerdquo that was attended by scientists from a number of local institutionsThis two-day affair brings together approximately 90 astronomers and physicists to discussthe latest developments in cosmology The vast majority of the attendees are students(undergraduate and graduate) and postdocs Institutions that have participated includeJohns Hopkins the University of Pennsylvania the University of Pittsburgh RutgersUniversity Carnegie Mellon University Case Western Reserve University and CornellUniversity In addition to the productive science exchanges the conference is a usefulrecruiting tool for the Physics and the Astronomy Departments
Special recognition is due to Dr Shandera and Ms Randi Neshteruk for their superborganizational efforts for the conferences
Conclusion
Center scientists have been at the forefront of cosmological research for more than adecade and their leadership roles in a number of major current and near-future projectspromises to maintain Penn Statersquos high profile in this exciting and important field Anindication of the Centerrsquos scientific impact is that since the Centerrsquos creation in mid-2011Center scientists have published 208 peer-reviewed papers these works have garnered 6570citations We expect that this rate of productivity will increase due to the addition of recentfaculty hires and as results are produced by the major new projects (NuStar SDSS-IVHETDEX) The Physics and the Astronomy Departments were both highly-ranked by the2010 National Research Councilrsquos review and the high-profile activity of the Center willplay an important role in maintaining and bolstering this reputation
13 13 13 13 13 13 The13 primary13 goal13 of13 our13 center13 is13 to13 foster13 research13 and13 education13 in13 some13 fundamental13 areas13 at13 the13 forefront13 of13 theoretical13 and13 mathematical13 physics13 These13 areas13 include13 theories13 that13 attempt13 to13 unify13 Einsteins13 theory13 of13 gravity13 and13 quantum13 mechanics13 general13 relativity13 and13 supergravity13 cosmology13 non-shy‐commutative13 geometry13 and13 related13 areas13 of13 mathematics13 and13 philosophy13 of13 science13 We13 have13 faculty13 members13 from13 Physics13 Mathematics13 as13 well13 as13 Philosophy13 Department13 13 13 The13 two13 leading13 approaches13 to13 quantum13 gravity13 are13 both13 represented13 at13 our13 center13 namely13 loop13 quantum13 gravity13 and13 string13 theory13 Loop13 quantum13 gravity13 which13 was13 developed13 mainly13 here13 at13 Penn13 State13 attempts13 to13 quantize13 gravity13 in13 four13 space-shy‐time13 dimensions13 by13 itself13 13 String13 theory13 is13 more13 ambitious13 and13 attempts13 to13 unify13 all13 known13 forces13 of13 nature13 including13 gravity13 in13 a13 quantum13 mechanically13 consistent13 framework13 13 Penn13 State13 is13 the13 only13 US13 institution13 where13 both13 of13 these13 approaches13 are13 being13 developed13 13 13 At13 any13 given13 time13 the13 researchers13 in13 our13 center13 work13 on13 many13 exciting13 and13 interesting13 problems13 Currently13 we13 have13 a13 major13 research13 activity13 on13 loop13 quantum13 cosmology13 which13 was13 initiated13 and13 largely13 developed13 here13 in13 our13 center13 by13 Martin13 Bojowald13 Abhay13 Ashtekar13 and13 their13 coworkers13 13 By13 now13 this13 is13 a13 very13 active13 area13 of13 research13 among13 physicists13 that13 work13 on13 loop13 quantum13 gravity13 worldwide13 13 The13 original13 singularity13 of13 the13 classical13 theory13 of13 general13 relativity13 corresponding13 to13 the13 big13 bang13 gets13 resolved13 due13 to13 quantum13
effects13 and13 the13 big13 bang13 and13 big13 crunch13 singularities13 are13 replaced13 by13 big13 bounces13 in13 some13 of13 the13 loop13 quantum13 cosmology13 models13 13 13 The13 researchers13 in13 this13 field13 are13 currently13 trying13 to13 understand13 the13 physics13 of13 the13 early13 universe13 and13 thereby13 explain13 the13 current13 cosmological13 observations13 such13 as13 the13 large-shy‐scale13 structure13 of13 the13 observed13 universe13 13 13 Another13 current13 major13 research13 area13 in13 the13 center13 is13 the13 work13 on13 scattering13 amplitude13 calculations13 in13 supergravity13 theories13 and13 study13 of13 their13 finiteness13 properties13 13 Supergravity13 theories13 are13 extensions13 of13 Einsteinrsquos13 theory13 of13 general13 relativity13 whose13 quantization13 leads13 to13 additional13 particles13 other13 than13 the13 graviton13 which13 mediates13 the13 gravitational13 force13 13 Through13 a13 remarkable13 tour13 de13 force13 of13 technical13 calculation13 Radu13 Roiban13 and13 his13 co-shy‐workers13 showed13 that13 the13 maximal13 supergravity13 is13 finite13 up13 to13 four13 loops13 in13 perturbative13 quantum13 theory13 13 This13 was13 an13 unexpected13 result13 since13 the13 perturbative13 quantization13 of13 Einsteinrsquos13 general13 relativity13 leads13 to13 incurable13 infinities13 already13 at13 two13 loops13 This13 work13 has13 been13 one13 of13 the13 main13 motivators13 for13 the13 exciting13 and13 important13 developments13 in13 the13 field13 of13 amplitude13 calculations13 in13 supergravity13 and13 supersymmetric13 field13 theories13 in13 recent13 years13 13 13 One13 of13 our13 main13 activities13 is13 to13 organize13 workshops13 on13 recent13 exciting13 developments13 in13 areas13 represented13 in13 our13 Center13 These13 workshops13 have13 been13 very13 successful13 and13 contributed13 to13 the13 visibility13 of13 our13 Center13 greatly13 by13 bringing13 leading13 scientists13 working13 in13 these13 areas13 to13 Penn13 State13 They13 also13 foster13 the13 synergy13 in13 the13 Center13 For13 example13 last13 year13 M13 Bojowald13 M13 Gunaydin13 and13 P13 Xu13 organized13 a13 workshop13 on13 Non-shy‐Associativity13 in13 Physics13 and13 Related13 Mathematical13 Structures13 that13 brought13 together13 physicists13 and13 mathematicians13 including13 a13 field13 medalist13 13 Similarly13 in13 201313 A13 Ashtekar13 G13 Fleming13 and13 E13 Grosholz13 organized13 a13 workshop13 on13 Cosmology13 and13 Time13 that13 brought13 physicists13 and13 philosophers13 together13 We13 also13 initiated13 a13 series13 of13 workshops13 rotating13 between13 Penn13 State13 the13 Albert13 Einstein13 Institute13 in13 Potsdam13 Germany13 Cambridge13 University13 Imperial13 College13 and13 Texas13 AampM13 University13 13 13 13 Murat13 Gunaydin13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 February13 1613 201513
- Agenda
- 15rep-cavener
- Letter to the editor_ Lecture was outstanding _ Letters to the Editor _ CentreDaily
- governance-13
- CPGA-Highlights
- AMON Slides for Dean Cavener
-
- Pages from AMON_Statuspdf
- Pages from AMON_Status-2pdf
- Pages from AMON_Status-3pdf
- AMON MoU Listpdf
-
- ctocshort
- CFT_2015
-
Unique Strengths
bull The distinguishing feature of IGC is that its three Centers interact in a synergistic manner to fully exploit new intellectual opportunities
bull IGC is unique in its attempt to answer the big open questions on the nature of our cosmos by observing it through windows that use all four fundamental forces
bull We are also well-placed to build bridges across disciplines Gamma ray bursts relate to gravitational waves sources of neutrinos cosmic rays quantum nature of space-time Cosmology requires input from astrophysics and quantum gravity String theory has had great influence on contemporary mathematicshellip
While making significant advances in forefront areas we also aspire to create new disciplines across boundaries IGC is extremely well placed for this task Prior examples bull Loop Quantum gravity - and its sub-field of loop quantum cosmology - was created by researchers at CFTCTOC Now hundreds of papers appear every year in the field
bull Researchers at CPGA have played seminal role in the development of the theory of gamma ray bursts and their afterglows
bull The Institute played a major role in the crystallization of the new field of gravitational wave astronomy through its NSF Frontier Center for Gravitational Wave Physics
As a direct result of research at IGC new subject lines have been created in the Physics and Astronomy Society Classification System
Research Goals
Education Research Training bull IGC faculty have mentored a large number of undergraduate
and graduate students as well as post-docs in emerging disciplines with special attention to women and under-represented minorities Undergraduates from the Schreyer Honors College regularly write their thesis under the supervision of IGC faculty
bull Over the years we have trained ~190 individuals as post-docs They spent over ~370 person-years at the Institute About 23 of them now hold faculty positions in universities world-wide and ~30 hold Chairs Directorships andor lead influential research groups world-wide The rest are pursuing successful research-oriented careers in colleges or industry
bull Last year the IAB approved a new initiative the IGC post-doctoral Scholar Program that is now enabling us to attract even more outstanding post-docs who are short listed in top academic institutions but choose to come to IGC
Outreach
Outreach bull IGC is deeply involved in outreach
Semi-popular and popular lectures world-wide Featured in TV and other documentaries a 43 minute YouTube video on
Loop Quantum Cosmology has had over 75000 hits since August 2013 Workshop on lsquoExtreme Particle Astrophysicsrsquo for high school teachers Semi-popular books two recently featured in book clubs Forefront research has featured widely in semi-popular press including
The Economist Fox News The New York Times MSNBC Nature National Geographic Science Scientific American US News and World Report as well as European South American and Asian Press (Bild der Wissenschaft New Scientist Spectrum Volksprant La Recherche The Telegraph hellip )
bull At PSU Several press releases a year popular lectures hellip through Barbara Kennedyrsquos office The Frontiers of Science Lecture series started at IGC and then extended by ECOS to other disciplines This yearrsquos series celebrating the 100th anniversary of Einsteinrsquos discovery of General Relativity is co-sponsored by IGC Each of the 4 lectures to date drew an audience of over 400 and the excellence of these lectures has prompted Letters to the Editor in CDT
CentreDailycomLetter to the editor Lecture was outstandingFebruary 12 2015
Google PlusMore
LinkedinRedditYouTube
E-mailPrint
I had the privilege of hearing one of the best scientific talks I have ever attended
Nergis Malvalvala a professor of astrophysics from MIT held her audience spellbound Saturday as shedescribed ldquoThe Warped Side of the Universerdquo as part of Penn Statersquos Frontiers of Science annual lectureseries for the general public
In less than an hour using easy-to-conceptualize real-world analogies such as ldquoputting a bowling ball on aseat cushionrdquo or likening light waves to extroverts at a party who interact with anyone they happen to meet(as opposed to the ldquointrovertedrdquo gravitational waves that donrsquot interact very much with others) this amazingyoung woman explained some basic and some quite complex physical and astrophysical concepts involvingthe measurement of light waves and gravitational waves identifying black holes and the behavior of neutronstars and pulsars
She accomplished this extraordinary feat like a skilled magician keeping up a steady stream of casualconversation cracking occasional jokes and periodically making sure the audience was following the storyso that she could pull the rabbit out of the hat while we werenrsquot looking
I wish she had been my high school physics teacher I might have become an astronaut
The topic of this yearrsquos lecture series is 100 Years after Einsteinrsquos Theory of Relativity New Science fromGeneral Relativity The lectures in this free public mini-course are recorded and can be accessed atsciencepsuedunews-and-eventsfrontiers
Carol Anderson
State College
Google PlusMore
LinkedinRedditYouTube
E-mailPrint
Join The ConversationCentre Daily Times is pleased to provide this opportunity to share information experiences and observationsabout whats in the news Some of the comments may be reprinted elsewhere in the site or in thenewspaper We encourage lively open debate on the issues of the day and ask that you refrain fromprofanity hate speech personal comments and remarks that are off point Thank you for taking the time tooffer your thoughts
Commenting FAQs | Terms of Service
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copy 2015 wwwcentredailycom and wire service sources All Rights Reserved httpwwwcentredailycom
Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos Governance Plan
The Pennsylvania State University has established the Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos It builds upon the success of the prior Institute for Gravitational Physics and Geometry The primary mission of the institute is to promote excellence in research by facilitating synergy between various areas it encompasses It will foster collaborative research and activities leading to a deeper understanding of the physical cosmos we inhabit and hopefully to the creation of new recognized disciplines The Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos encompasses three interrelated centers Center for Fundamental Theory (CFT)
Center for Particle and Gravitational Astrophysics (CPGA) Center for Theoretical and Observational Cosmology (CTOC)
With its emphasis on interdisciplinary studies the IGC is more than the sum of these centers It stimulates collaborative research between centers as well as within each center Internal Advisory Board This board advises and provides direction to the institute leadership on all matters relating to its governance and operation The dean of the Eberly College of Science is the Chair of the Internal Advisory Board He is responsible for changes in its membership in consultation with the institute director This board appoints the associate director and the center directors upon recommendation by the institute director The institute director will consult with faculty members before making the recommendation The Internal Advisory Board also approves nominations for new faculty members and renewals of current faculty These nominations are made by the institute members through the institute director and associate director Members of the Internal Advisory Board are appointed to renewable 3 year terms External Advisory Board The dean of the Eberly College of Science also chairs the External Advisory Board He is responsible for changes in its membership in consultation with the institute director The External Advisory Board consults on scientific matters and also on development strategies Its membership would include distinguished scientists in fields representing all of the centers as well as community leaders who are able to provide advice on development strategies Director Working with members the director will create and articulate shared scientific vision for the institute He also has the primary responsibility for the institute administration The director holds a standing position and will undergo reviews as per PSU policies Institute resources are apportioned by the director in consultation with the associate director the center directors and the Internal Advisory Board as needed The director is responsible for an annual report to the Internal Advisory Board summarizing the activities of the institute The annual report will be open to all faculty members Associate Director The associate director participates in all major administrative
decisions The director and associate director are free to divide among themselves the charge of day-to-day governance issues The term of appointment can be up to 3 years and may be renewed by the Internal Advisory Board in consultation with the director Center Directors The center directors are responsible for administering their separate centers They represent their centers acting in consultation with their faculty members as well as the institute director and associate director Each center director provides information on the activities of the center for the annual report by the institute director Appointment durations can be up to 3 years and may be renewed by the Internal Advisory Board in consultation with the institute director Faculty members Penn State faculty members may be appointed to membership in the institute by the Internal Advisory Board upon nomination by the institute director Appointments are made for up to 3 years at a time but may be renewed by the same procedure Each faculty member of the institute will also be a member of at least one of its centers An institute member who is a member of more than one center is expected to identify a primary affiliation with one of them Membership in the institute and its centers normally extends also to research associates postdoctoral scholars and research students who are working with a faculty member on topics within the scope of the institute These members participate in institute activities benefit from institute-sponsored programs and meetings and are listed in the institute directory The institute director and associate director are responsible for maintaining the full list of current members through consultation with the faculty members This document provides governance guidelines for the initial phase of the IGC Since establishment of the IGC is rather special in many respects this document may be revised and updated on an ongoing basis at the discretion of the Internal Advisory Board Approved by the Internal Advisory Board January 30th 2008
Center13 for13 Particle13 and13 Gravitational13 Astrophysics13 13
Highlights13 13
Most13 exciting13 eventsdiscoveries13 from13 CPGA13 13 13 (1) Swift13 201113 ndash13 Discovery13 of13 star13 disruption13 by13 a13 million13 solar13 mass13
black13 hole13 leading13 to13 a13 gamma-shy‐ray13 emitting13 relativistic13 jet13 13 13 (2) IceCube13 2011-shy‐201213 ndash13 Impose13 first13 serious13 constraints13 on13 neutrino13
emission13 and13 cosmic13 ray13 acceleration13 in13 Gamma13 Ray13 Bursts13 13 (3) IceCube13 2013-shy‐201413 ndash13 Discover13 the13 first13 ldquoguaranteed13 astrophysicalrdquo13
origin13 neutrinos13 at13 TeV-shy‐PeV13 energies13 ndash13 source13 unknown13 so13 far13 13 (4) Auger13 measured13 (2008-shy‐2009)13 the13 ldquoGZKrdquo13 cutoff13 in13 the13 highest13 energy13
cosmic13 rays13 ever13 measured13 (1E2013 eV13 fast13 baseball13 10013 kmhr)13 13 (5) Advanced-shy‐LIGO13 Livingston13 site13 operating13 Hanford13 next13 summer13
next13 science13 run13 this13 fall13 13 13 (6) HAWC13 completed13 instrumenting13 full13 tanks13 inaugural13 conference13 in13
March13 will13 observe13 gamma13 rays13 at13 energies13 above13 those13 of13 Fermi13 spacecraft13 13
13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
13 13
Pierre Auger ObservatoryPublic Event Explorer
Page hosted by the Auger group atColorado State University
Imagery copy2013 TerraMetrics Map data copy2013 Google -
The
AM
ON
Idea
13 13 13 13 13 13 Triggering13 observatories13 13 bull Provide13 sub-shy‐threshold13
candidate13 events13 to13 AMON13 in13 real13 me13
The13 AMON13 Idea13
bull Seeks13 coincidences13 in13 me13 and13 space13 bull Generates13 alerts13 -shy‐13 broadcast13 and13 archived13 bull Enables13 archival13 analyses13
bull respond13 to13 AMON13 alerts13
413 AMON13
ν13 ϒ13
gw13 n13
Use13 messenger13 parcles13 of13 all13 four13 fundamental13 forces13
x13 UV13 opcal13 13
ϒ13
AMON13
Follow-shy‐up13 observatories13 13
The
AM
ON
Idea
13
513 AMON13
The13 AMON13 Idea13
Future13
Status13 quo13
Many13 bilateral13 agreements13 among13 various13 observatories13 and13 cross-shy‐collaborave13 analyses13 13 No13 unified13 mullateral13 agreement13 and13 unified13 13 analyses13 of13 mulmessenger13 data13 13 Mostly13 unidireconal13 13 13
AMON13 serves13 as13 a13 central13 hub13 for13 collecng13 data13 from13 various13 mulmessenger13 facilies13 13 Performs13 unified13 analyses13 on13 mulmessenger13 data13 13 13 Gain13 in13 effecve13 aggregate13 sensivity13 13 Simplified13 protocols13 of13 cross-shy‐collaborave13 analyses13
AM
ON
Netw
ork13
613 14-shy‐12-shy‐1013 AMON13
13 13 13 13 13 613 Memoranda13 of13 Understandings13 (MoUs)13 signed13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 113 MoU13 in13 review13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 213 more13 leYer13 of13 collaboraon13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 many13 more13 in13 the13 future13 13
Triggering13 13 IceCube13 ANTARES13 Auger13 HAWC13 VERITAS13 SwiG13 BAThellip13 13 13 13
Follow-shy‐up13 13 SwiG13 XRT13 ampUVOT13 VERITAS13 13
hYpamongravitypsuedu13 13
AstropPhys13 Vol13 4513 56ndash7013 201313 13
Overview for the Center for Theoretical and Observational Cosmology
The study of the large-scale properties and evolution of the cosmos is one of the mostintellectually challenging and exciting scientific endeavors of the early 21st century Thisfield of research addresses the most fundamental questions that can be posed and is one ofgreat public interest Scientists at the Center for Theoretical and Observational Cosmologyare engaged in a wide variety of activities frequently holding scientific leadership positionsin large international collaborations that are probing the basic properties of the universeThe Centerrsquos research efforts are concentrated in Wide-Area Cosmological Surveys theHigh-Energy Universe and Theoretical Investigations of the conditions in the extremelyearly universe and the formation and evolution of large structures throughout cosmic time
Wide-Area Cosmological Surveys
The foundation of these recent advances are the wide-area (covering a significant frac-tion of the sky) high-quality surveys that have been undertaken in the past two decadesThe most prominent of these projects is the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) The SDSSobservations of galaxies and quasars allowed the construction of detailed maps of the dis-tribution of matter in the universe the structures that are detected are some of the mostimportant constraints on theoretical models of the properties and evolution of the universe
During SDSSrsquos first decade Penn State scientists were in charge of the quasar scienceof the survey On several occasions during this period the SDSS quasar team identified themost distant known object in the universe and discovered (after astronomers had searchedfor nearly 40 years) the era when the intergalactic medium transitioned from a neutral toan ionized state Penn State has joined the fourth phase (which started on 1 July 2014)as an institutional member Drs Niel Brandt and Michael Eracleous (observational) andSarah Shandera and Donghui Jeong (theoretical) are actively engaged in SDSS-IV
Penn State is playing an important part in another large cosmological survey theHobby-Eberly Telescope Dark Energy Experiment (HETDEX) which should begin obser-vations in late 2015 The goal of this multi-year project is to identify approximately onemillion galaxies in the era when the universe was only a quarter of its current linear sizerevealing information about the rate of expansion of the universe at that time and providea key constraint on cosmological models In preparation for this ambitious project theHETDEX Pilot Survey was undertaken using one of the smaller telescopes at McDon-ald Observatory Drs Robin Ciardullo Caryl Gronwall and Jeong are now analyzingand publishing of the Pilot Survey results which are revealing the physical conditions ingalaxies billions of years in the past
Every ten years the US Astronomical Community produces a report that lists thehighest priorities for the next decade the top-ranked project for ground-based astronomyin the most recent document was the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) The LSSTwill be able to obtain images of approximately 50 of the sky every few nights providinginsights on issues ranging from our cosmic neighborhood (identifying and tracking ldquokillerasteroidsrdquo) to the most distant reaches of the universe (properties of Dark Energy) PennState has been an institutional member of this large international project since 2005 andhas been an active participant of the governance and science planning Dr Brandt is incharge of developing the plan for LSSTrsquoS deepest observations
The High-Energy Universe
High-energy astrophysics (X-rays and γ-rays) has long been one of Penn Statersquosstrengths The two signature projects are the design and construction of the primaryinstrument for the Chandra spacecraft one of NASArsquos ldquoGreat Observatoriesrdquo and PennStatersquos major role in NASArsquos Swift satellite which studies γ-ray bursts (GRBs) In ad-dition Dr Brandt is heavily involved in the NuSTAR (Nuclear Spectroscopic TelescopeArray) satellite program which began taking observations in 2012
Chandra launched in 1999 has provided our sharpest and deepest view of the X-rayuniverse Dr Brandt has led a series of studies that have revealed the characteristics ofhigh-energy emission from the first supermassive black holes to form in the universe HisldquoSix Megasecondrdquo image of a small piece of sky created with an exposure time of nearly70 days has revealed hundreds of faint X-ray sources The faintest objects are such thatthe X-ray instrument detects one photon from the source every two weeks
Penn State developed two of the three instruments on the Swift satellite and runsSwiftrsquos Mission Operations Center Center scientists Drs Peter Meszaros and Derek Foxhave made major contributions to this project Swift scans the sky for GRBs which arebrief flashes (timescale of a second) of extremely high-energy photons Within minutes ofdetecting a GRB Swift automatically points the onboard X-ray and optical telescopes to-wards the estimated direction of the event and immediately transmits an accurate positionof the event to observers around the world Despite the planned three-year operationallifetime after its 2004 launch NASA has repeatedly extended the mission because of therevolutionary scientific returns that Swift continues to produce
Swift discoveries include 1) the first precise locations of ldquoshortrdquo (less than a secondduration) GRBs providing solid support for the proposal that these GRBs are producedby mergers of two neutron stars 2) the first detection of the X-rays shock break-out from asupernova 3) the detection of long faint GRB which ground-based observations revealedto be the most distant known stellar object at a redshift of 93 4) the first observationsof a relativistic jet produced by the tidal disruption of star by a massive black hole5) discovering a GRB located at a distance of several billion light-years that was sobright it was visible to the naked eye for several seconds and 6) detection of a burst thatproduced for a few seconds an amount of electromagnetic energy that was comparable tothat of the entire rest of the universe
NuSTAR which is providing a view of the universe in the high X-ray regime is now inits third year of operations Dr Brandtrsquos group has led a number of studies based on thenew data that have provided insights into the properties and environments of supermassiveblack holes located in the centers of galaxies
Theoretical Cosmology at the Center
Dr Shanderarsquos research concentrates on the first moments of the universersquos existencein particular the period when the universe is thought to have undergone an incredibly rapidphase of expansion (the ldquoinflationrdquo theory) that occurred approximately 10minus35 s after theBig Bang Dr Shanderarsquos primary goals are to understand the nature of quantum fields inthis era and to identify observational signals that can test whether this inflationary phasedid indeed exist
Dr Lirsquos group has developed sophisticated computer codes incorporating detailedphysical processes and the large-scale evolution of structure in the universe to addresssome of the most pressing questions in cosmology ranging from the appearance of the firstsupermassive black holes in the universe to the formation of our own galaxy the MilkyWay
Dr Jeong is extensively involved in large-scale surveys (see above) but also is inves-tigating questions such as the applicability of Einsteinrsquos Theory of General Relativity overthe largest spans of distance and time in the universe and the nature of Dark Energy
The Annual Neighborhood Cosmology Conference
During the spring semesters in 2013 and 2014 the Center hosted a ldquoNeighborhoodCosmology Conferencerdquo that was attended by scientists from a number of local institutionsThis two-day affair brings together approximately 90 astronomers and physicists to discussthe latest developments in cosmology The vast majority of the attendees are students(undergraduate and graduate) and postdocs Institutions that have participated includeJohns Hopkins the University of Pennsylvania the University of Pittsburgh RutgersUniversity Carnegie Mellon University Case Western Reserve University and CornellUniversity In addition to the productive science exchanges the conference is a usefulrecruiting tool for the Physics and the Astronomy Departments
Special recognition is due to Dr Shandera and Ms Randi Neshteruk for their superborganizational efforts for the conferences
Conclusion
Center scientists have been at the forefront of cosmological research for more than adecade and their leadership roles in a number of major current and near-future projectspromises to maintain Penn Statersquos high profile in this exciting and important field Anindication of the Centerrsquos scientific impact is that since the Centerrsquos creation in mid-2011Center scientists have published 208 peer-reviewed papers these works have garnered 6570citations We expect that this rate of productivity will increase due to the addition of recentfaculty hires and as results are produced by the major new projects (NuStar SDSS-IVHETDEX) The Physics and the Astronomy Departments were both highly-ranked by the2010 National Research Councilrsquos review and the high-profile activity of the Center willplay an important role in maintaining and bolstering this reputation
13 13 13 13 13 13 The13 primary13 goal13 of13 our13 center13 is13 to13 foster13 research13 and13 education13 in13 some13 fundamental13 areas13 at13 the13 forefront13 of13 theoretical13 and13 mathematical13 physics13 These13 areas13 include13 theories13 that13 attempt13 to13 unify13 Einsteins13 theory13 of13 gravity13 and13 quantum13 mechanics13 general13 relativity13 and13 supergravity13 cosmology13 non-shy‐commutative13 geometry13 and13 related13 areas13 of13 mathematics13 and13 philosophy13 of13 science13 We13 have13 faculty13 members13 from13 Physics13 Mathematics13 as13 well13 as13 Philosophy13 Department13 13 13 The13 two13 leading13 approaches13 to13 quantum13 gravity13 are13 both13 represented13 at13 our13 center13 namely13 loop13 quantum13 gravity13 and13 string13 theory13 Loop13 quantum13 gravity13 which13 was13 developed13 mainly13 here13 at13 Penn13 State13 attempts13 to13 quantize13 gravity13 in13 four13 space-shy‐time13 dimensions13 by13 itself13 13 String13 theory13 is13 more13 ambitious13 and13 attempts13 to13 unify13 all13 known13 forces13 of13 nature13 including13 gravity13 in13 a13 quantum13 mechanically13 consistent13 framework13 13 Penn13 State13 is13 the13 only13 US13 institution13 where13 both13 of13 these13 approaches13 are13 being13 developed13 13 13 At13 any13 given13 time13 the13 researchers13 in13 our13 center13 work13 on13 many13 exciting13 and13 interesting13 problems13 Currently13 we13 have13 a13 major13 research13 activity13 on13 loop13 quantum13 cosmology13 which13 was13 initiated13 and13 largely13 developed13 here13 in13 our13 center13 by13 Martin13 Bojowald13 Abhay13 Ashtekar13 and13 their13 coworkers13 13 By13 now13 this13 is13 a13 very13 active13 area13 of13 research13 among13 physicists13 that13 work13 on13 loop13 quantum13 gravity13 worldwide13 13 The13 original13 singularity13 of13 the13 classical13 theory13 of13 general13 relativity13 corresponding13 to13 the13 big13 bang13 gets13 resolved13 due13 to13 quantum13
effects13 and13 the13 big13 bang13 and13 big13 crunch13 singularities13 are13 replaced13 by13 big13 bounces13 in13 some13 of13 the13 loop13 quantum13 cosmology13 models13 13 13 The13 researchers13 in13 this13 field13 are13 currently13 trying13 to13 understand13 the13 physics13 of13 the13 early13 universe13 and13 thereby13 explain13 the13 current13 cosmological13 observations13 such13 as13 the13 large-shy‐scale13 structure13 of13 the13 observed13 universe13 13 13 Another13 current13 major13 research13 area13 in13 the13 center13 is13 the13 work13 on13 scattering13 amplitude13 calculations13 in13 supergravity13 theories13 and13 study13 of13 their13 finiteness13 properties13 13 Supergravity13 theories13 are13 extensions13 of13 Einsteinrsquos13 theory13 of13 general13 relativity13 whose13 quantization13 leads13 to13 additional13 particles13 other13 than13 the13 graviton13 which13 mediates13 the13 gravitational13 force13 13 Through13 a13 remarkable13 tour13 de13 force13 of13 technical13 calculation13 Radu13 Roiban13 and13 his13 co-shy‐workers13 showed13 that13 the13 maximal13 supergravity13 is13 finite13 up13 to13 four13 loops13 in13 perturbative13 quantum13 theory13 13 This13 was13 an13 unexpected13 result13 since13 the13 perturbative13 quantization13 of13 Einsteinrsquos13 general13 relativity13 leads13 to13 incurable13 infinities13 already13 at13 two13 loops13 This13 work13 has13 been13 one13 of13 the13 main13 motivators13 for13 the13 exciting13 and13 important13 developments13 in13 the13 field13 of13 amplitude13 calculations13 in13 supergravity13 and13 supersymmetric13 field13 theories13 in13 recent13 years13 13 13 One13 of13 our13 main13 activities13 is13 to13 organize13 workshops13 on13 recent13 exciting13 developments13 in13 areas13 represented13 in13 our13 Center13 These13 workshops13 have13 been13 very13 successful13 and13 contributed13 to13 the13 visibility13 of13 our13 Center13 greatly13 by13 bringing13 leading13 scientists13 working13 in13 these13 areas13 to13 Penn13 State13 They13 also13 foster13 the13 synergy13 in13 the13 Center13 For13 example13 last13 year13 M13 Bojowald13 M13 Gunaydin13 and13 P13 Xu13 organized13 a13 workshop13 on13 Non-shy‐Associativity13 in13 Physics13 and13 Related13 Mathematical13 Structures13 that13 brought13 together13 physicists13 and13 mathematicians13 including13 a13 field13 medalist13 13 Similarly13 in13 201313 A13 Ashtekar13 G13 Fleming13 and13 E13 Grosholz13 organized13 a13 workshop13 on13 Cosmology13 and13 Time13 that13 brought13 physicists13 and13 philosophers13 together13 We13 also13 initiated13 a13 series13 of13 workshops13 rotating13 between13 Penn13 State13 the13 Albert13 Einstein13 Institute13 in13 Potsdam13 Germany13 Cambridge13 University13 Imperial13 College13 and13 Texas13 AampM13 University13 13 13 13 Murat13 Gunaydin13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 February13 1613 201513
- Agenda
- 15rep-cavener
- Letter to the editor_ Lecture was outstanding _ Letters to the Editor _ CentreDaily
- governance-13
- CPGA-Highlights
- AMON Slides for Dean Cavener
-
- Pages from AMON_Statuspdf
- Pages from AMON_Status-2pdf
- Pages from AMON_Status-3pdf
- AMON MoU Listpdf
-
- ctocshort
- CFT_2015
-
While making significant advances in forefront areas we also aspire to create new disciplines across boundaries IGC is extremely well placed for this task Prior examples bull Loop Quantum gravity - and its sub-field of loop quantum cosmology - was created by researchers at CFTCTOC Now hundreds of papers appear every year in the field
bull Researchers at CPGA have played seminal role in the development of the theory of gamma ray bursts and their afterglows
bull The Institute played a major role in the crystallization of the new field of gravitational wave astronomy through its NSF Frontier Center for Gravitational Wave Physics
As a direct result of research at IGC new subject lines have been created in the Physics and Astronomy Society Classification System
Research Goals
Education Research Training bull IGC faculty have mentored a large number of undergraduate
and graduate students as well as post-docs in emerging disciplines with special attention to women and under-represented minorities Undergraduates from the Schreyer Honors College regularly write their thesis under the supervision of IGC faculty
bull Over the years we have trained ~190 individuals as post-docs They spent over ~370 person-years at the Institute About 23 of them now hold faculty positions in universities world-wide and ~30 hold Chairs Directorships andor lead influential research groups world-wide The rest are pursuing successful research-oriented careers in colleges or industry
bull Last year the IAB approved a new initiative the IGC post-doctoral Scholar Program that is now enabling us to attract even more outstanding post-docs who are short listed in top academic institutions but choose to come to IGC
Outreach
Outreach bull IGC is deeply involved in outreach
Semi-popular and popular lectures world-wide Featured in TV and other documentaries a 43 minute YouTube video on
Loop Quantum Cosmology has had over 75000 hits since August 2013 Workshop on lsquoExtreme Particle Astrophysicsrsquo for high school teachers Semi-popular books two recently featured in book clubs Forefront research has featured widely in semi-popular press including
The Economist Fox News The New York Times MSNBC Nature National Geographic Science Scientific American US News and World Report as well as European South American and Asian Press (Bild der Wissenschaft New Scientist Spectrum Volksprant La Recherche The Telegraph hellip )
bull At PSU Several press releases a year popular lectures hellip through Barbara Kennedyrsquos office The Frontiers of Science Lecture series started at IGC and then extended by ECOS to other disciplines This yearrsquos series celebrating the 100th anniversary of Einsteinrsquos discovery of General Relativity is co-sponsored by IGC Each of the 4 lectures to date drew an audience of over 400 and the excellence of these lectures has prompted Letters to the Editor in CDT
CentreDailycomLetter to the editor Lecture was outstandingFebruary 12 2015
Google PlusMore
LinkedinRedditYouTube
E-mailPrint
I had the privilege of hearing one of the best scientific talks I have ever attended
Nergis Malvalvala a professor of astrophysics from MIT held her audience spellbound Saturday as shedescribed ldquoThe Warped Side of the Universerdquo as part of Penn Statersquos Frontiers of Science annual lectureseries for the general public
In less than an hour using easy-to-conceptualize real-world analogies such as ldquoputting a bowling ball on aseat cushionrdquo or likening light waves to extroverts at a party who interact with anyone they happen to meet(as opposed to the ldquointrovertedrdquo gravitational waves that donrsquot interact very much with others) this amazingyoung woman explained some basic and some quite complex physical and astrophysical concepts involvingthe measurement of light waves and gravitational waves identifying black holes and the behavior of neutronstars and pulsars
She accomplished this extraordinary feat like a skilled magician keeping up a steady stream of casualconversation cracking occasional jokes and periodically making sure the audience was following the storyso that she could pull the rabbit out of the hat while we werenrsquot looking
I wish she had been my high school physics teacher I might have become an astronaut
The topic of this yearrsquos lecture series is 100 Years after Einsteinrsquos Theory of Relativity New Science fromGeneral Relativity The lectures in this free public mini-course are recorded and can be accessed atsciencepsuedunews-and-eventsfrontiers
Carol Anderson
State College
Google PlusMore
LinkedinRedditYouTube
E-mailPrint
Join The ConversationCentre Daily Times is pleased to provide this opportunity to share information experiences and observationsabout whats in the news Some of the comments may be reprinted elsewhere in the site or in thenewspaper We encourage lively open debate on the issues of the day and ask that you refrain fromprofanity hate speech personal comments and remarks that are off point Thank you for taking the time tooffer your thoughts
Commenting FAQs | Terms of Service
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copy 2015 wwwcentredailycom and wire service sources All Rights Reserved httpwwwcentredailycom
Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos Governance Plan
The Pennsylvania State University has established the Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos It builds upon the success of the prior Institute for Gravitational Physics and Geometry The primary mission of the institute is to promote excellence in research by facilitating synergy between various areas it encompasses It will foster collaborative research and activities leading to a deeper understanding of the physical cosmos we inhabit and hopefully to the creation of new recognized disciplines The Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos encompasses three interrelated centers Center for Fundamental Theory (CFT)
Center for Particle and Gravitational Astrophysics (CPGA) Center for Theoretical and Observational Cosmology (CTOC)
With its emphasis on interdisciplinary studies the IGC is more than the sum of these centers It stimulates collaborative research between centers as well as within each center Internal Advisory Board This board advises and provides direction to the institute leadership on all matters relating to its governance and operation The dean of the Eberly College of Science is the Chair of the Internal Advisory Board He is responsible for changes in its membership in consultation with the institute director This board appoints the associate director and the center directors upon recommendation by the institute director The institute director will consult with faculty members before making the recommendation The Internal Advisory Board also approves nominations for new faculty members and renewals of current faculty These nominations are made by the institute members through the institute director and associate director Members of the Internal Advisory Board are appointed to renewable 3 year terms External Advisory Board The dean of the Eberly College of Science also chairs the External Advisory Board He is responsible for changes in its membership in consultation with the institute director The External Advisory Board consults on scientific matters and also on development strategies Its membership would include distinguished scientists in fields representing all of the centers as well as community leaders who are able to provide advice on development strategies Director Working with members the director will create and articulate shared scientific vision for the institute He also has the primary responsibility for the institute administration The director holds a standing position and will undergo reviews as per PSU policies Institute resources are apportioned by the director in consultation with the associate director the center directors and the Internal Advisory Board as needed The director is responsible for an annual report to the Internal Advisory Board summarizing the activities of the institute The annual report will be open to all faculty members Associate Director The associate director participates in all major administrative
decisions The director and associate director are free to divide among themselves the charge of day-to-day governance issues The term of appointment can be up to 3 years and may be renewed by the Internal Advisory Board in consultation with the director Center Directors The center directors are responsible for administering their separate centers They represent their centers acting in consultation with their faculty members as well as the institute director and associate director Each center director provides information on the activities of the center for the annual report by the institute director Appointment durations can be up to 3 years and may be renewed by the Internal Advisory Board in consultation with the institute director Faculty members Penn State faculty members may be appointed to membership in the institute by the Internal Advisory Board upon nomination by the institute director Appointments are made for up to 3 years at a time but may be renewed by the same procedure Each faculty member of the institute will also be a member of at least one of its centers An institute member who is a member of more than one center is expected to identify a primary affiliation with one of them Membership in the institute and its centers normally extends also to research associates postdoctoral scholars and research students who are working with a faculty member on topics within the scope of the institute These members participate in institute activities benefit from institute-sponsored programs and meetings and are listed in the institute directory The institute director and associate director are responsible for maintaining the full list of current members through consultation with the faculty members This document provides governance guidelines for the initial phase of the IGC Since establishment of the IGC is rather special in many respects this document may be revised and updated on an ongoing basis at the discretion of the Internal Advisory Board Approved by the Internal Advisory Board January 30th 2008
Center13 for13 Particle13 and13 Gravitational13 Astrophysics13 13
Highlights13 13
Most13 exciting13 eventsdiscoveries13 from13 CPGA13 13 13 (1) Swift13 201113 ndash13 Discovery13 of13 star13 disruption13 by13 a13 million13 solar13 mass13
black13 hole13 leading13 to13 a13 gamma-shy‐ray13 emitting13 relativistic13 jet13 13 13 (2) IceCube13 2011-shy‐201213 ndash13 Impose13 first13 serious13 constraints13 on13 neutrino13
emission13 and13 cosmic13 ray13 acceleration13 in13 Gamma13 Ray13 Bursts13 13 (3) IceCube13 2013-shy‐201413 ndash13 Discover13 the13 first13 ldquoguaranteed13 astrophysicalrdquo13
origin13 neutrinos13 at13 TeV-shy‐PeV13 energies13 ndash13 source13 unknown13 so13 far13 13 (4) Auger13 measured13 (2008-shy‐2009)13 the13 ldquoGZKrdquo13 cutoff13 in13 the13 highest13 energy13
cosmic13 rays13 ever13 measured13 (1E2013 eV13 fast13 baseball13 10013 kmhr)13 13 (5) Advanced-shy‐LIGO13 Livingston13 site13 operating13 Hanford13 next13 summer13
next13 science13 run13 this13 fall13 13 13 (6) HAWC13 completed13 instrumenting13 full13 tanks13 inaugural13 conference13 in13
March13 will13 observe13 gamma13 rays13 at13 energies13 above13 those13 of13 Fermi13 spacecraft13 13
13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
13 13
Pierre Auger ObservatoryPublic Event Explorer
Page hosted by the Auger group atColorado State University
Imagery copy2013 TerraMetrics Map data copy2013 Google -
The
AM
ON
Idea
13 13 13 13 13 13 Triggering13 observatories13 13 bull Provide13 sub-shy‐threshold13
candidate13 events13 to13 AMON13 in13 real13 me13
The13 AMON13 Idea13
bull Seeks13 coincidences13 in13 me13 and13 space13 bull Generates13 alerts13 -shy‐13 broadcast13 and13 archived13 bull Enables13 archival13 analyses13
bull respond13 to13 AMON13 alerts13
413 AMON13
ν13 ϒ13
gw13 n13
Use13 messenger13 parcles13 of13 all13 four13 fundamental13 forces13
x13 UV13 opcal13 13
ϒ13
AMON13
Follow-shy‐up13 observatories13 13
The
AM
ON
Idea
13
513 AMON13
The13 AMON13 Idea13
Future13
Status13 quo13
Many13 bilateral13 agreements13 among13 various13 observatories13 and13 cross-shy‐collaborave13 analyses13 13 No13 unified13 mullateral13 agreement13 and13 unified13 13 analyses13 of13 mulmessenger13 data13 13 Mostly13 unidireconal13 13 13
AMON13 serves13 as13 a13 central13 hub13 for13 collecng13 data13 from13 various13 mulmessenger13 facilies13 13 Performs13 unified13 analyses13 on13 mulmessenger13 data13 13 13 Gain13 in13 effecve13 aggregate13 sensivity13 13 Simplified13 protocols13 of13 cross-shy‐collaborave13 analyses13
AM
ON
Netw
ork13
613 14-shy‐12-shy‐1013 AMON13
13 13 13 13 13 613 Memoranda13 of13 Understandings13 (MoUs)13 signed13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 113 MoU13 in13 review13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 213 more13 leYer13 of13 collaboraon13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 many13 more13 in13 the13 future13 13
Triggering13 13 IceCube13 ANTARES13 Auger13 HAWC13 VERITAS13 SwiG13 BAThellip13 13 13 13
Follow-shy‐up13 13 SwiG13 XRT13 ampUVOT13 VERITAS13 13
hYpamongravitypsuedu13 13
AstropPhys13 Vol13 4513 56ndash7013 201313 13
Overview for the Center for Theoretical and Observational Cosmology
The study of the large-scale properties and evolution of the cosmos is one of the mostintellectually challenging and exciting scientific endeavors of the early 21st century Thisfield of research addresses the most fundamental questions that can be posed and is one ofgreat public interest Scientists at the Center for Theoretical and Observational Cosmologyare engaged in a wide variety of activities frequently holding scientific leadership positionsin large international collaborations that are probing the basic properties of the universeThe Centerrsquos research efforts are concentrated in Wide-Area Cosmological Surveys theHigh-Energy Universe and Theoretical Investigations of the conditions in the extremelyearly universe and the formation and evolution of large structures throughout cosmic time
Wide-Area Cosmological Surveys
The foundation of these recent advances are the wide-area (covering a significant frac-tion of the sky) high-quality surveys that have been undertaken in the past two decadesThe most prominent of these projects is the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) The SDSSobservations of galaxies and quasars allowed the construction of detailed maps of the dis-tribution of matter in the universe the structures that are detected are some of the mostimportant constraints on theoretical models of the properties and evolution of the universe
During SDSSrsquos first decade Penn State scientists were in charge of the quasar scienceof the survey On several occasions during this period the SDSS quasar team identified themost distant known object in the universe and discovered (after astronomers had searchedfor nearly 40 years) the era when the intergalactic medium transitioned from a neutral toan ionized state Penn State has joined the fourth phase (which started on 1 July 2014)as an institutional member Drs Niel Brandt and Michael Eracleous (observational) andSarah Shandera and Donghui Jeong (theoretical) are actively engaged in SDSS-IV
Penn State is playing an important part in another large cosmological survey theHobby-Eberly Telescope Dark Energy Experiment (HETDEX) which should begin obser-vations in late 2015 The goal of this multi-year project is to identify approximately onemillion galaxies in the era when the universe was only a quarter of its current linear sizerevealing information about the rate of expansion of the universe at that time and providea key constraint on cosmological models In preparation for this ambitious project theHETDEX Pilot Survey was undertaken using one of the smaller telescopes at McDon-ald Observatory Drs Robin Ciardullo Caryl Gronwall and Jeong are now analyzingand publishing of the Pilot Survey results which are revealing the physical conditions ingalaxies billions of years in the past
Every ten years the US Astronomical Community produces a report that lists thehighest priorities for the next decade the top-ranked project for ground-based astronomyin the most recent document was the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) The LSSTwill be able to obtain images of approximately 50 of the sky every few nights providinginsights on issues ranging from our cosmic neighborhood (identifying and tracking ldquokillerasteroidsrdquo) to the most distant reaches of the universe (properties of Dark Energy) PennState has been an institutional member of this large international project since 2005 andhas been an active participant of the governance and science planning Dr Brandt is incharge of developing the plan for LSSTrsquoS deepest observations
The High-Energy Universe
High-energy astrophysics (X-rays and γ-rays) has long been one of Penn Statersquosstrengths The two signature projects are the design and construction of the primaryinstrument for the Chandra spacecraft one of NASArsquos ldquoGreat Observatoriesrdquo and PennStatersquos major role in NASArsquos Swift satellite which studies γ-ray bursts (GRBs) In ad-dition Dr Brandt is heavily involved in the NuSTAR (Nuclear Spectroscopic TelescopeArray) satellite program which began taking observations in 2012
Chandra launched in 1999 has provided our sharpest and deepest view of the X-rayuniverse Dr Brandt has led a series of studies that have revealed the characteristics ofhigh-energy emission from the first supermassive black holes to form in the universe HisldquoSix Megasecondrdquo image of a small piece of sky created with an exposure time of nearly70 days has revealed hundreds of faint X-ray sources The faintest objects are such thatthe X-ray instrument detects one photon from the source every two weeks
Penn State developed two of the three instruments on the Swift satellite and runsSwiftrsquos Mission Operations Center Center scientists Drs Peter Meszaros and Derek Foxhave made major contributions to this project Swift scans the sky for GRBs which arebrief flashes (timescale of a second) of extremely high-energy photons Within minutes ofdetecting a GRB Swift automatically points the onboard X-ray and optical telescopes to-wards the estimated direction of the event and immediately transmits an accurate positionof the event to observers around the world Despite the planned three-year operationallifetime after its 2004 launch NASA has repeatedly extended the mission because of therevolutionary scientific returns that Swift continues to produce
Swift discoveries include 1) the first precise locations of ldquoshortrdquo (less than a secondduration) GRBs providing solid support for the proposal that these GRBs are producedby mergers of two neutron stars 2) the first detection of the X-rays shock break-out from asupernova 3) the detection of long faint GRB which ground-based observations revealedto be the most distant known stellar object at a redshift of 93 4) the first observationsof a relativistic jet produced by the tidal disruption of star by a massive black hole5) discovering a GRB located at a distance of several billion light-years that was sobright it was visible to the naked eye for several seconds and 6) detection of a burst thatproduced for a few seconds an amount of electromagnetic energy that was comparable tothat of the entire rest of the universe
NuSTAR which is providing a view of the universe in the high X-ray regime is now inits third year of operations Dr Brandtrsquos group has led a number of studies based on thenew data that have provided insights into the properties and environments of supermassiveblack holes located in the centers of galaxies
Theoretical Cosmology at the Center
Dr Shanderarsquos research concentrates on the first moments of the universersquos existencein particular the period when the universe is thought to have undergone an incredibly rapidphase of expansion (the ldquoinflationrdquo theory) that occurred approximately 10minus35 s after theBig Bang Dr Shanderarsquos primary goals are to understand the nature of quantum fields inthis era and to identify observational signals that can test whether this inflationary phasedid indeed exist
Dr Lirsquos group has developed sophisticated computer codes incorporating detailedphysical processes and the large-scale evolution of structure in the universe to addresssome of the most pressing questions in cosmology ranging from the appearance of the firstsupermassive black holes in the universe to the formation of our own galaxy the MilkyWay
Dr Jeong is extensively involved in large-scale surveys (see above) but also is inves-tigating questions such as the applicability of Einsteinrsquos Theory of General Relativity overthe largest spans of distance and time in the universe and the nature of Dark Energy
The Annual Neighborhood Cosmology Conference
During the spring semesters in 2013 and 2014 the Center hosted a ldquoNeighborhoodCosmology Conferencerdquo that was attended by scientists from a number of local institutionsThis two-day affair brings together approximately 90 astronomers and physicists to discussthe latest developments in cosmology The vast majority of the attendees are students(undergraduate and graduate) and postdocs Institutions that have participated includeJohns Hopkins the University of Pennsylvania the University of Pittsburgh RutgersUniversity Carnegie Mellon University Case Western Reserve University and CornellUniversity In addition to the productive science exchanges the conference is a usefulrecruiting tool for the Physics and the Astronomy Departments
Special recognition is due to Dr Shandera and Ms Randi Neshteruk for their superborganizational efforts for the conferences
Conclusion
Center scientists have been at the forefront of cosmological research for more than adecade and their leadership roles in a number of major current and near-future projectspromises to maintain Penn Statersquos high profile in this exciting and important field Anindication of the Centerrsquos scientific impact is that since the Centerrsquos creation in mid-2011Center scientists have published 208 peer-reviewed papers these works have garnered 6570citations We expect that this rate of productivity will increase due to the addition of recentfaculty hires and as results are produced by the major new projects (NuStar SDSS-IVHETDEX) The Physics and the Astronomy Departments were both highly-ranked by the2010 National Research Councilrsquos review and the high-profile activity of the Center willplay an important role in maintaining and bolstering this reputation
13 13 13 13 13 13 The13 primary13 goal13 of13 our13 center13 is13 to13 foster13 research13 and13 education13 in13 some13 fundamental13 areas13 at13 the13 forefront13 of13 theoretical13 and13 mathematical13 physics13 These13 areas13 include13 theories13 that13 attempt13 to13 unify13 Einsteins13 theory13 of13 gravity13 and13 quantum13 mechanics13 general13 relativity13 and13 supergravity13 cosmology13 non-shy‐commutative13 geometry13 and13 related13 areas13 of13 mathematics13 and13 philosophy13 of13 science13 We13 have13 faculty13 members13 from13 Physics13 Mathematics13 as13 well13 as13 Philosophy13 Department13 13 13 The13 two13 leading13 approaches13 to13 quantum13 gravity13 are13 both13 represented13 at13 our13 center13 namely13 loop13 quantum13 gravity13 and13 string13 theory13 Loop13 quantum13 gravity13 which13 was13 developed13 mainly13 here13 at13 Penn13 State13 attempts13 to13 quantize13 gravity13 in13 four13 space-shy‐time13 dimensions13 by13 itself13 13 String13 theory13 is13 more13 ambitious13 and13 attempts13 to13 unify13 all13 known13 forces13 of13 nature13 including13 gravity13 in13 a13 quantum13 mechanically13 consistent13 framework13 13 Penn13 State13 is13 the13 only13 US13 institution13 where13 both13 of13 these13 approaches13 are13 being13 developed13 13 13 At13 any13 given13 time13 the13 researchers13 in13 our13 center13 work13 on13 many13 exciting13 and13 interesting13 problems13 Currently13 we13 have13 a13 major13 research13 activity13 on13 loop13 quantum13 cosmology13 which13 was13 initiated13 and13 largely13 developed13 here13 in13 our13 center13 by13 Martin13 Bojowald13 Abhay13 Ashtekar13 and13 their13 coworkers13 13 By13 now13 this13 is13 a13 very13 active13 area13 of13 research13 among13 physicists13 that13 work13 on13 loop13 quantum13 gravity13 worldwide13 13 The13 original13 singularity13 of13 the13 classical13 theory13 of13 general13 relativity13 corresponding13 to13 the13 big13 bang13 gets13 resolved13 due13 to13 quantum13
effects13 and13 the13 big13 bang13 and13 big13 crunch13 singularities13 are13 replaced13 by13 big13 bounces13 in13 some13 of13 the13 loop13 quantum13 cosmology13 models13 13 13 The13 researchers13 in13 this13 field13 are13 currently13 trying13 to13 understand13 the13 physics13 of13 the13 early13 universe13 and13 thereby13 explain13 the13 current13 cosmological13 observations13 such13 as13 the13 large-shy‐scale13 structure13 of13 the13 observed13 universe13 13 13 Another13 current13 major13 research13 area13 in13 the13 center13 is13 the13 work13 on13 scattering13 amplitude13 calculations13 in13 supergravity13 theories13 and13 study13 of13 their13 finiteness13 properties13 13 Supergravity13 theories13 are13 extensions13 of13 Einsteinrsquos13 theory13 of13 general13 relativity13 whose13 quantization13 leads13 to13 additional13 particles13 other13 than13 the13 graviton13 which13 mediates13 the13 gravitational13 force13 13 Through13 a13 remarkable13 tour13 de13 force13 of13 technical13 calculation13 Radu13 Roiban13 and13 his13 co-shy‐workers13 showed13 that13 the13 maximal13 supergravity13 is13 finite13 up13 to13 four13 loops13 in13 perturbative13 quantum13 theory13 13 This13 was13 an13 unexpected13 result13 since13 the13 perturbative13 quantization13 of13 Einsteinrsquos13 general13 relativity13 leads13 to13 incurable13 infinities13 already13 at13 two13 loops13 This13 work13 has13 been13 one13 of13 the13 main13 motivators13 for13 the13 exciting13 and13 important13 developments13 in13 the13 field13 of13 amplitude13 calculations13 in13 supergravity13 and13 supersymmetric13 field13 theories13 in13 recent13 years13 13 13 One13 of13 our13 main13 activities13 is13 to13 organize13 workshops13 on13 recent13 exciting13 developments13 in13 areas13 represented13 in13 our13 Center13 These13 workshops13 have13 been13 very13 successful13 and13 contributed13 to13 the13 visibility13 of13 our13 Center13 greatly13 by13 bringing13 leading13 scientists13 working13 in13 these13 areas13 to13 Penn13 State13 They13 also13 foster13 the13 synergy13 in13 the13 Center13 For13 example13 last13 year13 M13 Bojowald13 M13 Gunaydin13 and13 P13 Xu13 organized13 a13 workshop13 on13 Non-shy‐Associativity13 in13 Physics13 and13 Related13 Mathematical13 Structures13 that13 brought13 together13 physicists13 and13 mathematicians13 including13 a13 field13 medalist13 13 Similarly13 in13 201313 A13 Ashtekar13 G13 Fleming13 and13 E13 Grosholz13 organized13 a13 workshop13 on13 Cosmology13 and13 Time13 that13 brought13 physicists13 and13 philosophers13 together13 We13 also13 initiated13 a13 series13 of13 workshops13 rotating13 between13 Penn13 State13 the13 Albert13 Einstein13 Institute13 in13 Potsdam13 Germany13 Cambridge13 University13 Imperial13 College13 and13 Texas13 AampM13 University13 13 13 13 Murat13 Gunaydin13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 February13 1613 201513
- Agenda
- 15rep-cavener
- Letter to the editor_ Lecture was outstanding _ Letters to the Editor _ CentreDaily
- governance-13
- CPGA-Highlights
- AMON Slides for Dean Cavener
-
- Pages from AMON_Statuspdf
- Pages from AMON_Status-2pdf
- Pages from AMON_Status-3pdf
- AMON MoU Listpdf
-
- ctocshort
- CFT_2015
-
Education Research Training bull IGC faculty have mentored a large number of undergraduate
and graduate students as well as post-docs in emerging disciplines with special attention to women and under-represented minorities Undergraduates from the Schreyer Honors College regularly write their thesis under the supervision of IGC faculty
bull Over the years we have trained ~190 individuals as post-docs They spent over ~370 person-years at the Institute About 23 of them now hold faculty positions in universities world-wide and ~30 hold Chairs Directorships andor lead influential research groups world-wide The rest are pursuing successful research-oriented careers in colleges or industry
bull Last year the IAB approved a new initiative the IGC post-doctoral Scholar Program that is now enabling us to attract even more outstanding post-docs who are short listed in top academic institutions but choose to come to IGC
Outreach
Outreach bull IGC is deeply involved in outreach
Semi-popular and popular lectures world-wide Featured in TV and other documentaries a 43 minute YouTube video on
Loop Quantum Cosmology has had over 75000 hits since August 2013 Workshop on lsquoExtreme Particle Astrophysicsrsquo for high school teachers Semi-popular books two recently featured in book clubs Forefront research has featured widely in semi-popular press including
The Economist Fox News The New York Times MSNBC Nature National Geographic Science Scientific American US News and World Report as well as European South American and Asian Press (Bild der Wissenschaft New Scientist Spectrum Volksprant La Recherche The Telegraph hellip )
bull At PSU Several press releases a year popular lectures hellip through Barbara Kennedyrsquos office The Frontiers of Science Lecture series started at IGC and then extended by ECOS to other disciplines This yearrsquos series celebrating the 100th anniversary of Einsteinrsquos discovery of General Relativity is co-sponsored by IGC Each of the 4 lectures to date drew an audience of over 400 and the excellence of these lectures has prompted Letters to the Editor in CDT
CentreDailycomLetter to the editor Lecture was outstandingFebruary 12 2015
Google PlusMore
LinkedinRedditYouTube
E-mailPrint
I had the privilege of hearing one of the best scientific talks I have ever attended
Nergis Malvalvala a professor of astrophysics from MIT held her audience spellbound Saturday as shedescribed ldquoThe Warped Side of the Universerdquo as part of Penn Statersquos Frontiers of Science annual lectureseries for the general public
In less than an hour using easy-to-conceptualize real-world analogies such as ldquoputting a bowling ball on aseat cushionrdquo or likening light waves to extroverts at a party who interact with anyone they happen to meet(as opposed to the ldquointrovertedrdquo gravitational waves that donrsquot interact very much with others) this amazingyoung woman explained some basic and some quite complex physical and astrophysical concepts involvingthe measurement of light waves and gravitational waves identifying black holes and the behavior of neutronstars and pulsars
She accomplished this extraordinary feat like a skilled magician keeping up a steady stream of casualconversation cracking occasional jokes and periodically making sure the audience was following the storyso that she could pull the rabbit out of the hat while we werenrsquot looking
I wish she had been my high school physics teacher I might have become an astronaut
The topic of this yearrsquos lecture series is 100 Years after Einsteinrsquos Theory of Relativity New Science fromGeneral Relativity The lectures in this free public mini-course are recorded and can be accessed atsciencepsuedunews-and-eventsfrontiers
Carol Anderson
State College
Google PlusMore
LinkedinRedditYouTube
E-mailPrint
Join The ConversationCentre Daily Times is pleased to provide this opportunity to share information experiences and observationsabout whats in the news Some of the comments may be reprinted elsewhere in the site or in thenewspaper We encourage lively open debate on the issues of the day and ask that you refrain fromprofanity hate speech personal comments and remarks that are off point Thank you for taking the time tooffer your thoughts
Commenting FAQs | Terms of Service
Email Newsletters gtManage newsletter subscriptions
Tablets gtApps and services for tablet devices
Mobile gtApps and services for your mobile phone
Social Media gtGet updates via Facebook and Twitter
e-Edition gtYour daily paper delivered to your computer
Home Delivery gtManage your home delivery account
Digital Subscriptions gtManage your online subscriptions
copy 2015 wwwcentredailycom and wire service sources All Rights Reserved httpwwwcentredailycom
Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos Governance Plan
The Pennsylvania State University has established the Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos It builds upon the success of the prior Institute for Gravitational Physics and Geometry The primary mission of the institute is to promote excellence in research by facilitating synergy between various areas it encompasses It will foster collaborative research and activities leading to a deeper understanding of the physical cosmos we inhabit and hopefully to the creation of new recognized disciplines The Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos encompasses three interrelated centers Center for Fundamental Theory (CFT)
Center for Particle and Gravitational Astrophysics (CPGA) Center for Theoretical and Observational Cosmology (CTOC)
With its emphasis on interdisciplinary studies the IGC is more than the sum of these centers It stimulates collaborative research between centers as well as within each center Internal Advisory Board This board advises and provides direction to the institute leadership on all matters relating to its governance and operation The dean of the Eberly College of Science is the Chair of the Internal Advisory Board He is responsible for changes in its membership in consultation with the institute director This board appoints the associate director and the center directors upon recommendation by the institute director The institute director will consult with faculty members before making the recommendation The Internal Advisory Board also approves nominations for new faculty members and renewals of current faculty These nominations are made by the institute members through the institute director and associate director Members of the Internal Advisory Board are appointed to renewable 3 year terms External Advisory Board The dean of the Eberly College of Science also chairs the External Advisory Board He is responsible for changes in its membership in consultation with the institute director The External Advisory Board consults on scientific matters and also on development strategies Its membership would include distinguished scientists in fields representing all of the centers as well as community leaders who are able to provide advice on development strategies Director Working with members the director will create and articulate shared scientific vision for the institute He also has the primary responsibility for the institute administration The director holds a standing position and will undergo reviews as per PSU policies Institute resources are apportioned by the director in consultation with the associate director the center directors and the Internal Advisory Board as needed The director is responsible for an annual report to the Internal Advisory Board summarizing the activities of the institute The annual report will be open to all faculty members Associate Director The associate director participates in all major administrative
decisions The director and associate director are free to divide among themselves the charge of day-to-day governance issues The term of appointment can be up to 3 years and may be renewed by the Internal Advisory Board in consultation with the director Center Directors The center directors are responsible for administering their separate centers They represent their centers acting in consultation with their faculty members as well as the institute director and associate director Each center director provides information on the activities of the center for the annual report by the institute director Appointment durations can be up to 3 years and may be renewed by the Internal Advisory Board in consultation with the institute director Faculty members Penn State faculty members may be appointed to membership in the institute by the Internal Advisory Board upon nomination by the institute director Appointments are made for up to 3 years at a time but may be renewed by the same procedure Each faculty member of the institute will also be a member of at least one of its centers An institute member who is a member of more than one center is expected to identify a primary affiliation with one of them Membership in the institute and its centers normally extends also to research associates postdoctoral scholars and research students who are working with a faculty member on topics within the scope of the institute These members participate in institute activities benefit from institute-sponsored programs and meetings and are listed in the institute directory The institute director and associate director are responsible for maintaining the full list of current members through consultation with the faculty members This document provides governance guidelines for the initial phase of the IGC Since establishment of the IGC is rather special in many respects this document may be revised and updated on an ongoing basis at the discretion of the Internal Advisory Board Approved by the Internal Advisory Board January 30th 2008
Center13 for13 Particle13 and13 Gravitational13 Astrophysics13 13
Highlights13 13
Most13 exciting13 eventsdiscoveries13 from13 CPGA13 13 13 (1) Swift13 201113 ndash13 Discovery13 of13 star13 disruption13 by13 a13 million13 solar13 mass13
black13 hole13 leading13 to13 a13 gamma-shy‐ray13 emitting13 relativistic13 jet13 13 13 (2) IceCube13 2011-shy‐201213 ndash13 Impose13 first13 serious13 constraints13 on13 neutrino13
emission13 and13 cosmic13 ray13 acceleration13 in13 Gamma13 Ray13 Bursts13 13 (3) IceCube13 2013-shy‐201413 ndash13 Discover13 the13 first13 ldquoguaranteed13 astrophysicalrdquo13
origin13 neutrinos13 at13 TeV-shy‐PeV13 energies13 ndash13 source13 unknown13 so13 far13 13 (4) Auger13 measured13 (2008-shy‐2009)13 the13 ldquoGZKrdquo13 cutoff13 in13 the13 highest13 energy13
cosmic13 rays13 ever13 measured13 (1E2013 eV13 fast13 baseball13 10013 kmhr)13 13 (5) Advanced-shy‐LIGO13 Livingston13 site13 operating13 Hanford13 next13 summer13
next13 science13 run13 this13 fall13 13 13 (6) HAWC13 completed13 instrumenting13 full13 tanks13 inaugural13 conference13 in13
March13 will13 observe13 gamma13 rays13 at13 energies13 above13 those13 of13 Fermi13 spacecraft13 13
13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
13 13
Pierre Auger ObservatoryPublic Event Explorer
Page hosted by the Auger group atColorado State University
Imagery copy2013 TerraMetrics Map data copy2013 Google -
The
AM
ON
Idea
13 13 13 13 13 13 Triggering13 observatories13 13 bull Provide13 sub-shy‐threshold13
candidate13 events13 to13 AMON13 in13 real13 me13
The13 AMON13 Idea13
bull Seeks13 coincidences13 in13 me13 and13 space13 bull Generates13 alerts13 -shy‐13 broadcast13 and13 archived13 bull Enables13 archival13 analyses13
bull respond13 to13 AMON13 alerts13
413 AMON13
ν13 ϒ13
gw13 n13
Use13 messenger13 parcles13 of13 all13 four13 fundamental13 forces13
x13 UV13 opcal13 13
ϒ13
AMON13
Follow-shy‐up13 observatories13 13
The
AM
ON
Idea
13
513 AMON13
The13 AMON13 Idea13
Future13
Status13 quo13
Many13 bilateral13 agreements13 among13 various13 observatories13 and13 cross-shy‐collaborave13 analyses13 13 No13 unified13 mullateral13 agreement13 and13 unified13 13 analyses13 of13 mulmessenger13 data13 13 Mostly13 unidireconal13 13 13
AMON13 serves13 as13 a13 central13 hub13 for13 collecng13 data13 from13 various13 mulmessenger13 facilies13 13 Performs13 unified13 analyses13 on13 mulmessenger13 data13 13 13 Gain13 in13 effecve13 aggregate13 sensivity13 13 Simplified13 protocols13 of13 cross-shy‐collaborave13 analyses13
AM
ON
Netw
ork13
613 14-shy‐12-shy‐1013 AMON13
13 13 13 13 13 613 Memoranda13 of13 Understandings13 (MoUs)13 signed13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 113 MoU13 in13 review13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 213 more13 leYer13 of13 collaboraon13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 many13 more13 in13 the13 future13 13
Triggering13 13 IceCube13 ANTARES13 Auger13 HAWC13 VERITAS13 SwiG13 BAThellip13 13 13 13
Follow-shy‐up13 13 SwiG13 XRT13 ampUVOT13 VERITAS13 13
hYpamongravitypsuedu13 13
AstropPhys13 Vol13 4513 56ndash7013 201313 13
Overview for the Center for Theoretical and Observational Cosmology
The study of the large-scale properties and evolution of the cosmos is one of the mostintellectually challenging and exciting scientific endeavors of the early 21st century Thisfield of research addresses the most fundamental questions that can be posed and is one ofgreat public interest Scientists at the Center for Theoretical and Observational Cosmologyare engaged in a wide variety of activities frequently holding scientific leadership positionsin large international collaborations that are probing the basic properties of the universeThe Centerrsquos research efforts are concentrated in Wide-Area Cosmological Surveys theHigh-Energy Universe and Theoretical Investigations of the conditions in the extremelyearly universe and the formation and evolution of large structures throughout cosmic time
Wide-Area Cosmological Surveys
The foundation of these recent advances are the wide-area (covering a significant frac-tion of the sky) high-quality surveys that have been undertaken in the past two decadesThe most prominent of these projects is the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) The SDSSobservations of galaxies and quasars allowed the construction of detailed maps of the dis-tribution of matter in the universe the structures that are detected are some of the mostimportant constraints on theoretical models of the properties and evolution of the universe
During SDSSrsquos first decade Penn State scientists were in charge of the quasar scienceof the survey On several occasions during this period the SDSS quasar team identified themost distant known object in the universe and discovered (after astronomers had searchedfor nearly 40 years) the era when the intergalactic medium transitioned from a neutral toan ionized state Penn State has joined the fourth phase (which started on 1 July 2014)as an institutional member Drs Niel Brandt and Michael Eracleous (observational) andSarah Shandera and Donghui Jeong (theoretical) are actively engaged in SDSS-IV
Penn State is playing an important part in another large cosmological survey theHobby-Eberly Telescope Dark Energy Experiment (HETDEX) which should begin obser-vations in late 2015 The goal of this multi-year project is to identify approximately onemillion galaxies in the era when the universe was only a quarter of its current linear sizerevealing information about the rate of expansion of the universe at that time and providea key constraint on cosmological models In preparation for this ambitious project theHETDEX Pilot Survey was undertaken using one of the smaller telescopes at McDon-ald Observatory Drs Robin Ciardullo Caryl Gronwall and Jeong are now analyzingand publishing of the Pilot Survey results which are revealing the physical conditions ingalaxies billions of years in the past
Every ten years the US Astronomical Community produces a report that lists thehighest priorities for the next decade the top-ranked project for ground-based astronomyin the most recent document was the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) The LSSTwill be able to obtain images of approximately 50 of the sky every few nights providinginsights on issues ranging from our cosmic neighborhood (identifying and tracking ldquokillerasteroidsrdquo) to the most distant reaches of the universe (properties of Dark Energy) PennState has been an institutional member of this large international project since 2005 andhas been an active participant of the governance and science planning Dr Brandt is incharge of developing the plan for LSSTrsquoS deepest observations
The High-Energy Universe
High-energy astrophysics (X-rays and γ-rays) has long been one of Penn Statersquosstrengths The two signature projects are the design and construction of the primaryinstrument for the Chandra spacecraft one of NASArsquos ldquoGreat Observatoriesrdquo and PennStatersquos major role in NASArsquos Swift satellite which studies γ-ray bursts (GRBs) In ad-dition Dr Brandt is heavily involved in the NuSTAR (Nuclear Spectroscopic TelescopeArray) satellite program which began taking observations in 2012
Chandra launched in 1999 has provided our sharpest and deepest view of the X-rayuniverse Dr Brandt has led a series of studies that have revealed the characteristics ofhigh-energy emission from the first supermassive black holes to form in the universe HisldquoSix Megasecondrdquo image of a small piece of sky created with an exposure time of nearly70 days has revealed hundreds of faint X-ray sources The faintest objects are such thatthe X-ray instrument detects one photon from the source every two weeks
Penn State developed two of the three instruments on the Swift satellite and runsSwiftrsquos Mission Operations Center Center scientists Drs Peter Meszaros and Derek Foxhave made major contributions to this project Swift scans the sky for GRBs which arebrief flashes (timescale of a second) of extremely high-energy photons Within minutes ofdetecting a GRB Swift automatically points the onboard X-ray and optical telescopes to-wards the estimated direction of the event and immediately transmits an accurate positionof the event to observers around the world Despite the planned three-year operationallifetime after its 2004 launch NASA has repeatedly extended the mission because of therevolutionary scientific returns that Swift continues to produce
Swift discoveries include 1) the first precise locations of ldquoshortrdquo (less than a secondduration) GRBs providing solid support for the proposal that these GRBs are producedby mergers of two neutron stars 2) the first detection of the X-rays shock break-out from asupernova 3) the detection of long faint GRB which ground-based observations revealedto be the most distant known stellar object at a redshift of 93 4) the first observationsof a relativistic jet produced by the tidal disruption of star by a massive black hole5) discovering a GRB located at a distance of several billion light-years that was sobright it was visible to the naked eye for several seconds and 6) detection of a burst thatproduced for a few seconds an amount of electromagnetic energy that was comparable tothat of the entire rest of the universe
NuSTAR which is providing a view of the universe in the high X-ray regime is now inits third year of operations Dr Brandtrsquos group has led a number of studies based on thenew data that have provided insights into the properties and environments of supermassiveblack holes located in the centers of galaxies
Theoretical Cosmology at the Center
Dr Shanderarsquos research concentrates on the first moments of the universersquos existencein particular the period when the universe is thought to have undergone an incredibly rapidphase of expansion (the ldquoinflationrdquo theory) that occurred approximately 10minus35 s after theBig Bang Dr Shanderarsquos primary goals are to understand the nature of quantum fields inthis era and to identify observational signals that can test whether this inflationary phasedid indeed exist
Dr Lirsquos group has developed sophisticated computer codes incorporating detailedphysical processes and the large-scale evolution of structure in the universe to addresssome of the most pressing questions in cosmology ranging from the appearance of the firstsupermassive black holes in the universe to the formation of our own galaxy the MilkyWay
Dr Jeong is extensively involved in large-scale surveys (see above) but also is inves-tigating questions such as the applicability of Einsteinrsquos Theory of General Relativity overthe largest spans of distance and time in the universe and the nature of Dark Energy
The Annual Neighborhood Cosmology Conference
During the spring semesters in 2013 and 2014 the Center hosted a ldquoNeighborhoodCosmology Conferencerdquo that was attended by scientists from a number of local institutionsThis two-day affair brings together approximately 90 astronomers and physicists to discussthe latest developments in cosmology The vast majority of the attendees are students(undergraduate and graduate) and postdocs Institutions that have participated includeJohns Hopkins the University of Pennsylvania the University of Pittsburgh RutgersUniversity Carnegie Mellon University Case Western Reserve University and CornellUniversity In addition to the productive science exchanges the conference is a usefulrecruiting tool for the Physics and the Astronomy Departments
Special recognition is due to Dr Shandera and Ms Randi Neshteruk for their superborganizational efforts for the conferences
Conclusion
Center scientists have been at the forefront of cosmological research for more than adecade and their leadership roles in a number of major current and near-future projectspromises to maintain Penn Statersquos high profile in this exciting and important field Anindication of the Centerrsquos scientific impact is that since the Centerrsquos creation in mid-2011Center scientists have published 208 peer-reviewed papers these works have garnered 6570citations We expect that this rate of productivity will increase due to the addition of recentfaculty hires and as results are produced by the major new projects (NuStar SDSS-IVHETDEX) The Physics and the Astronomy Departments were both highly-ranked by the2010 National Research Councilrsquos review and the high-profile activity of the Center willplay an important role in maintaining and bolstering this reputation
13 13 13 13 13 13 The13 primary13 goal13 of13 our13 center13 is13 to13 foster13 research13 and13 education13 in13 some13 fundamental13 areas13 at13 the13 forefront13 of13 theoretical13 and13 mathematical13 physics13 These13 areas13 include13 theories13 that13 attempt13 to13 unify13 Einsteins13 theory13 of13 gravity13 and13 quantum13 mechanics13 general13 relativity13 and13 supergravity13 cosmology13 non-shy‐commutative13 geometry13 and13 related13 areas13 of13 mathematics13 and13 philosophy13 of13 science13 We13 have13 faculty13 members13 from13 Physics13 Mathematics13 as13 well13 as13 Philosophy13 Department13 13 13 The13 two13 leading13 approaches13 to13 quantum13 gravity13 are13 both13 represented13 at13 our13 center13 namely13 loop13 quantum13 gravity13 and13 string13 theory13 Loop13 quantum13 gravity13 which13 was13 developed13 mainly13 here13 at13 Penn13 State13 attempts13 to13 quantize13 gravity13 in13 four13 space-shy‐time13 dimensions13 by13 itself13 13 String13 theory13 is13 more13 ambitious13 and13 attempts13 to13 unify13 all13 known13 forces13 of13 nature13 including13 gravity13 in13 a13 quantum13 mechanically13 consistent13 framework13 13 Penn13 State13 is13 the13 only13 US13 institution13 where13 both13 of13 these13 approaches13 are13 being13 developed13 13 13 At13 any13 given13 time13 the13 researchers13 in13 our13 center13 work13 on13 many13 exciting13 and13 interesting13 problems13 Currently13 we13 have13 a13 major13 research13 activity13 on13 loop13 quantum13 cosmology13 which13 was13 initiated13 and13 largely13 developed13 here13 in13 our13 center13 by13 Martin13 Bojowald13 Abhay13 Ashtekar13 and13 their13 coworkers13 13 By13 now13 this13 is13 a13 very13 active13 area13 of13 research13 among13 physicists13 that13 work13 on13 loop13 quantum13 gravity13 worldwide13 13 The13 original13 singularity13 of13 the13 classical13 theory13 of13 general13 relativity13 corresponding13 to13 the13 big13 bang13 gets13 resolved13 due13 to13 quantum13
effects13 and13 the13 big13 bang13 and13 big13 crunch13 singularities13 are13 replaced13 by13 big13 bounces13 in13 some13 of13 the13 loop13 quantum13 cosmology13 models13 13 13 The13 researchers13 in13 this13 field13 are13 currently13 trying13 to13 understand13 the13 physics13 of13 the13 early13 universe13 and13 thereby13 explain13 the13 current13 cosmological13 observations13 such13 as13 the13 large-shy‐scale13 structure13 of13 the13 observed13 universe13 13 13 Another13 current13 major13 research13 area13 in13 the13 center13 is13 the13 work13 on13 scattering13 amplitude13 calculations13 in13 supergravity13 theories13 and13 study13 of13 their13 finiteness13 properties13 13 Supergravity13 theories13 are13 extensions13 of13 Einsteinrsquos13 theory13 of13 general13 relativity13 whose13 quantization13 leads13 to13 additional13 particles13 other13 than13 the13 graviton13 which13 mediates13 the13 gravitational13 force13 13 Through13 a13 remarkable13 tour13 de13 force13 of13 technical13 calculation13 Radu13 Roiban13 and13 his13 co-shy‐workers13 showed13 that13 the13 maximal13 supergravity13 is13 finite13 up13 to13 four13 loops13 in13 perturbative13 quantum13 theory13 13 This13 was13 an13 unexpected13 result13 since13 the13 perturbative13 quantization13 of13 Einsteinrsquos13 general13 relativity13 leads13 to13 incurable13 infinities13 already13 at13 two13 loops13 This13 work13 has13 been13 one13 of13 the13 main13 motivators13 for13 the13 exciting13 and13 important13 developments13 in13 the13 field13 of13 amplitude13 calculations13 in13 supergravity13 and13 supersymmetric13 field13 theories13 in13 recent13 years13 13 13 One13 of13 our13 main13 activities13 is13 to13 organize13 workshops13 on13 recent13 exciting13 developments13 in13 areas13 represented13 in13 our13 Center13 These13 workshops13 have13 been13 very13 successful13 and13 contributed13 to13 the13 visibility13 of13 our13 Center13 greatly13 by13 bringing13 leading13 scientists13 working13 in13 these13 areas13 to13 Penn13 State13 They13 also13 foster13 the13 synergy13 in13 the13 Center13 For13 example13 last13 year13 M13 Bojowald13 M13 Gunaydin13 and13 P13 Xu13 organized13 a13 workshop13 on13 Non-shy‐Associativity13 in13 Physics13 and13 Related13 Mathematical13 Structures13 that13 brought13 together13 physicists13 and13 mathematicians13 including13 a13 field13 medalist13 13 Similarly13 in13 201313 A13 Ashtekar13 G13 Fleming13 and13 E13 Grosholz13 organized13 a13 workshop13 on13 Cosmology13 and13 Time13 that13 brought13 physicists13 and13 philosophers13 together13 We13 also13 initiated13 a13 series13 of13 workshops13 rotating13 between13 Penn13 State13 the13 Albert13 Einstein13 Institute13 in13 Potsdam13 Germany13 Cambridge13 University13 Imperial13 College13 and13 Texas13 AampM13 University13 13 13 13 Murat13 Gunaydin13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 February13 1613 201513
- Agenda
- 15rep-cavener
- Letter to the editor_ Lecture was outstanding _ Letters to the Editor _ CentreDaily
- governance-13
- CPGA-Highlights
- AMON Slides for Dean Cavener
-
- Pages from AMON_Statuspdf
- Pages from AMON_Status-2pdf
- Pages from AMON_Status-3pdf
- AMON MoU Listpdf
-
- ctocshort
- CFT_2015
-
Outreach
Outreach bull IGC is deeply involved in outreach
Semi-popular and popular lectures world-wide Featured in TV and other documentaries a 43 minute YouTube video on
Loop Quantum Cosmology has had over 75000 hits since August 2013 Workshop on lsquoExtreme Particle Astrophysicsrsquo for high school teachers Semi-popular books two recently featured in book clubs Forefront research has featured widely in semi-popular press including
The Economist Fox News The New York Times MSNBC Nature National Geographic Science Scientific American US News and World Report as well as European South American and Asian Press (Bild der Wissenschaft New Scientist Spectrum Volksprant La Recherche The Telegraph hellip )
bull At PSU Several press releases a year popular lectures hellip through Barbara Kennedyrsquos office The Frontiers of Science Lecture series started at IGC and then extended by ECOS to other disciplines This yearrsquos series celebrating the 100th anniversary of Einsteinrsquos discovery of General Relativity is co-sponsored by IGC Each of the 4 lectures to date drew an audience of over 400 and the excellence of these lectures has prompted Letters to the Editor in CDT
CentreDailycomLetter to the editor Lecture was outstandingFebruary 12 2015
Google PlusMore
LinkedinRedditYouTube
E-mailPrint
I had the privilege of hearing one of the best scientific talks I have ever attended
Nergis Malvalvala a professor of astrophysics from MIT held her audience spellbound Saturday as shedescribed ldquoThe Warped Side of the Universerdquo as part of Penn Statersquos Frontiers of Science annual lectureseries for the general public
In less than an hour using easy-to-conceptualize real-world analogies such as ldquoputting a bowling ball on aseat cushionrdquo or likening light waves to extroverts at a party who interact with anyone they happen to meet(as opposed to the ldquointrovertedrdquo gravitational waves that donrsquot interact very much with others) this amazingyoung woman explained some basic and some quite complex physical and astrophysical concepts involvingthe measurement of light waves and gravitational waves identifying black holes and the behavior of neutronstars and pulsars
She accomplished this extraordinary feat like a skilled magician keeping up a steady stream of casualconversation cracking occasional jokes and periodically making sure the audience was following the storyso that she could pull the rabbit out of the hat while we werenrsquot looking
I wish she had been my high school physics teacher I might have become an astronaut
The topic of this yearrsquos lecture series is 100 Years after Einsteinrsquos Theory of Relativity New Science fromGeneral Relativity The lectures in this free public mini-course are recorded and can be accessed atsciencepsuedunews-and-eventsfrontiers
Carol Anderson
State College
Google PlusMore
LinkedinRedditYouTube
E-mailPrint
Join The ConversationCentre Daily Times is pleased to provide this opportunity to share information experiences and observationsabout whats in the news Some of the comments may be reprinted elsewhere in the site or in thenewspaper We encourage lively open debate on the issues of the day and ask that you refrain fromprofanity hate speech personal comments and remarks that are off point Thank you for taking the time tooffer your thoughts
Commenting FAQs | Terms of Service
Email Newsletters gtManage newsletter subscriptions
Tablets gtApps and services for tablet devices
Mobile gtApps and services for your mobile phone
Social Media gtGet updates via Facebook and Twitter
e-Edition gtYour daily paper delivered to your computer
Home Delivery gtManage your home delivery account
Digital Subscriptions gtManage your online subscriptions
copy 2015 wwwcentredailycom and wire service sources All Rights Reserved httpwwwcentredailycom
Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos Governance Plan
The Pennsylvania State University has established the Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos It builds upon the success of the prior Institute for Gravitational Physics and Geometry The primary mission of the institute is to promote excellence in research by facilitating synergy between various areas it encompasses It will foster collaborative research and activities leading to a deeper understanding of the physical cosmos we inhabit and hopefully to the creation of new recognized disciplines The Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos encompasses three interrelated centers Center for Fundamental Theory (CFT)
Center for Particle and Gravitational Astrophysics (CPGA) Center for Theoretical and Observational Cosmology (CTOC)
With its emphasis on interdisciplinary studies the IGC is more than the sum of these centers It stimulates collaborative research between centers as well as within each center Internal Advisory Board This board advises and provides direction to the institute leadership on all matters relating to its governance and operation The dean of the Eberly College of Science is the Chair of the Internal Advisory Board He is responsible for changes in its membership in consultation with the institute director This board appoints the associate director and the center directors upon recommendation by the institute director The institute director will consult with faculty members before making the recommendation The Internal Advisory Board also approves nominations for new faculty members and renewals of current faculty These nominations are made by the institute members through the institute director and associate director Members of the Internal Advisory Board are appointed to renewable 3 year terms External Advisory Board The dean of the Eberly College of Science also chairs the External Advisory Board He is responsible for changes in its membership in consultation with the institute director The External Advisory Board consults on scientific matters and also on development strategies Its membership would include distinguished scientists in fields representing all of the centers as well as community leaders who are able to provide advice on development strategies Director Working with members the director will create and articulate shared scientific vision for the institute He also has the primary responsibility for the institute administration The director holds a standing position and will undergo reviews as per PSU policies Institute resources are apportioned by the director in consultation with the associate director the center directors and the Internal Advisory Board as needed The director is responsible for an annual report to the Internal Advisory Board summarizing the activities of the institute The annual report will be open to all faculty members Associate Director The associate director participates in all major administrative
decisions The director and associate director are free to divide among themselves the charge of day-to-day governance issues The term of appointment can be up to 3 years and may be renewed by the Internal Advisory Board in consultation with the director Center Directors The center directors are responsible for administering their separate centers They represent their centers acting in consultation with their faculty members as well as the institute director and associate director Each center director provides information on the activities of the center for the annual report by the institute director Appointment durations can be up to 3 years and may be renewed by the Internal Advisory Board in consultation with the institute director Faculty members Penn State faculty members may be appointed to membership in the institute by the Internal Advisory Board upon nomination by the institute director Appointments are made for up to 3 years at a time but may be renewed by the same procedure Each faculty member of the institute will also be a member of at least one of its centers An institute member who is a member of more than one center is expected to identify a primary affiliation with one of them Membership in the institute and its centers normally extends also to research associates postdoctoral scholars and research students who are working with a faculty member on topics within the scope of the institute These members participate in institute activities benefit from institute-sponsored programs and meetings and are listed in the institute directory The institute director and associate director are responsible for maintaining the full list of current members through consultation with the faculty members This document provides governance guidelines for the initial phase of the IGC Since establishment of the IGC is rather special in many respects this document may be revised and updated on an ongoing basis at the discretion of the Internal Advisory Board Approved by the Internal Advisory Board January 30th 2008
Center13 for13 Particle13 and13 Gravitational13 Astrophysics13 13
Highlights13 13
Most13 exciting13 eventsdiscoveries13 from13 CPGA13 13 13 (1) Swift13 201113 ndash13 Discovery13 of13 star13 disruption13 by13 a13 million13 solar13 mass13
black13 hole13 leading13 to13 a13 gamma-shy‐ray13 emitting13 relativistic13 jet13 13 13 (2) IceCube13 2011-shy‐201213 ndash13 Impose13 first13 serious13 constraints13 on13 neutrino13
emission13 and13 cosmic13 ray13 acceleration13 in13 Gamma13 Ray13 Bursts13 13 (3) IceCube13 2013-shy‐201413 ndash13 Discover13 the13 first13 ldquoguaranteed13 astrophysicalrdquo13
origin13 neutrinos13 at13 TeV-shy‐PeV13 energies13 ndash13 source13 unknown13 so13 far13 13 (4) Auger13 measured13 (2008-shy‐2009)13 the13 ldquoGZKrdquo13 cutoff13 in13 the13 highest13 energy13
cosmic13 rays13 ever13 measured13 (1E2013 eV13 fast13 baseball13 10013 kmhr)13 13 (5) Advanced-shy‐LIGO13 Livingston13 site13 operating13 Hanford13 next13 summer13
next13 science13 run13 this13 fall13 13 13 (6) HAWC13 completed13 instrumenting13 full13 tanks13 inaugural13 conference13 in13
March13 will13 observe13 gamma13 rays13 at13 energies13 above13 those13 of13 Fermi13 spacecraft13 13
13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
13 13
Pierre Auger ObservatoryPublic Event Explorer
Page hosted by the Auger group atColorado State University
Imagery copy2013 TerraMetrics Map data copy2013 Google -
The
AM
ON
Idea
13 13 13 13 13 13 Triggering13 observatories13 13 bull Provide13 sub-shy‐threshold13
candidate13 events13 to13 AMON13 in13 real13 me13
The13 AMON13 Idea13
bull Seeks13 coincidences13 in13 me13 and13 space13 bull Generates13 alerts13 -shy‐13 broadcast13 and13 archived13 bull Enables13 archival13 analyses13
bull respond13 to13 AMON13 alerts13
413 AMON13
ν13 ϒ13
gw13 n13
Use13 messenger13 parcles13 of13 all13 four13 fundamental13 forces13
x13 UV13 opcal13 13
ϒ13
AMON13
Follow-shy‐up13 observatories13 13
The
AM
ON
Idea
13
513 AMON13
The13 AMON13 Idea13
Future13
Status13 quo13
Many13 bilateral13 agreements13 among13 various13 observatories13 and13 cross-shy‐collaborave13 analyses13 13 No13 unified13 mullateral13 agreement13 and13 unified13 13 analyses13 of13 mulmessenger13 data13 13 Mostly13 unidireconal13 13 13
AMON13 serves13 as13 a13 central13 hub13 for13 collecng13 data13 from13 various13 mulmessenger13 facilies13 13 Performs13 unified13 analyses13 on13 mulmessenger13 data13 13 13 Gain13 in13 effecve13 aggregate13 sensivity13 13 Simplified13 protocols13 of13 cross-shy‐collaborave13 analyses13
AM
ON
Netw
ork13
613 14-shy‐12-shy‐1013 AMON13
13 13 13 13 13 613 Memoranda13 of13 Understandings13 (MoUs)13 signed13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 113 MoU13 in13 review13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 213 more13 leYer13 of13 collaboraon13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 many13 more13 in13 the13 future13 13
Triggering13 13 IceCube13 ANTARES13 Auger13 HAWC13 VERITAS13 SwiG13 BAThellip13 13 13 13
Follow-shy‐up13 13 SwiG13 XRT13 ampUVOT13 VERITAS13 13
hYpamongravitypsuedu13 13
AstropPhys13 Vol13 4513 56ndash7013 201313 13
Overview for the Center for Theoretical and Observational Cosmology
The study of the large-scale properties and evolution of the cosmos is one of the mostintellectually challenging and exciting scientific endeavors of the early 21st century Thisfield of research addresses the most fundamental questions that can be posed and is one ofgreat public interest Scientists at the Center for Theoretical and Observational Cosmologyare engaged in a wide variety of activities frequently holding scientific leadership positionsin large international collaborations that are probing the basic properties of the universeThe Centerrsquos research efforts are concentrated in Wide-Area Cosmological Surveys theHigh-Energy Universe and Theoretical Investigations of the conditions in the extremelyearly universe and the formation and evolution of large structures throughout cosmic time
Wide-Area Cosmological Surveys
The foundation of these recent advances are the wide-area (covering a significant frac-tion of the sky) high-quality surveys that have been undertaken in the past two decadesThe most prominent of these projects is the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) The SDSSobservations of galaxies and quasars allowed the construction of detailed maps of the dis-tribution of matter in the universe the structures that are detected are some of the mostimportant constraints on theoretical models of the properties and evolution of the universe
During SDSSrsquos first decade Penn State scientists were in charge of the quasar scienceof the survey On several occasions during this period the SDSS quasar team identified themost distant known object in the universe and discovered (after astronomers had searchedfor nearly 40 years) the era when the intergalactic medium transitioned from a neutral toan ionized state Penn State has joined the fourth phase (which started on 1 July 2014)as an institutional member Drs Niel Brandt and Michael Eracleous (observational) andSarah Shandera and Donghui Jeong (theoretical) are actively engaged in SDSS-IV
Penn State is playing an important part in another large cosmological survey theHobby-Eberly Telescope Dark Energy Experiment (HETDEX) which should begin obser-vations in late 2015 The goal of this multi-year project is to identify approximately onemillion galaxies in the era when the universe was only a quarter of its current linear sizerevealing information about the rate of expansion of the universe at that time and providea key constraint on cosmological models In preparation for this ambitious project theHETDEX Pilot Survey was undertaken using one of the smaller telescopes at McDon-ald Observatory Drs Robin Ciardullo Caryl Gronwall and Jeong are now analyzingand publishing of the Pilot Survey results which are revealing the physical conditions ingalaxies billions of years in the past
Every ten years the US Astronomical Community produces a report that lists thehighest priorities for the next decade the top-ranked project for ground-based astronomyin the most recent document was the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) The LSSTwill be able to obtain images of approximately 50 of the sky every few nights providinginsights on issues ranging from our cosmic neighborhood (identifying and tracking ldquokillerasteroidsrdquo) to the most distant reaches of the universe (properties of Dark Energy) PennState has been an institutional member of this large international project since 2005 andhas been an active participant of the governance and science planning Dr Brandt is incharge of developing the plan for LSSTrsquoS deepest observations
The High-Energy Universe
High-energy astrophysics (X-rays and γ-rays) has long been one of Penn Statersquosstrengths The two signature projects are the design and construction of the primaryinstrument for the Chandra spacecraft one of NASArsquos ldquoGreat Observatoriesrdquo and PennStatersquos major role in NASArsquos Swift satellite which studies γ-ray bursts (GRBs) In ad-dition Dr Brandt is heavily involved in the NuSTAR (Nuclear Spectroscopic TelescopeArray) satellite program which began taking observations in 2012
Chandra launched in 1999 has provided our sharpest and deepest view of the X-rayuniverse Dr Brandt has led a series of studies that have revealed the characteristics ofhigh-energy emission from the first supermassive black holes to form in the universe HisldquoSix Megasecondrdquo image of a small piece of sky created with an exposure time of nearly70 days has revealed hundreds of faint X-ray sources The faintest objects are such thatthe X-ray instrument detects one photon from the source every two weeks
Penn State developed two of the three instruments on the Swift satellite and runsSwiftrsquos Mission Operations Center Center scientists Drs Peter Meszaros and Derek Foxhave made major contributions to this project Swift scans the sky for GRBs which arebrief flashes (timescale of a second) of extremely high-energy photons Within minutes ofdetecting a GRB Swift automatically points the onboard X-ray and optical telescopes to-wards the estimated direction of the event and immediately transmits an accurate positionof the event to observers around the world Despite the planned three-year operationallifetime after its 2004 launch NASA has repeatedly extended the mission because of therevolutionary scientific returns that Swift continues to produce
Swift discoveries include 1) the first precise locations of ldquoshortrdquo (less than a secondduration) GRBs providing solid support for the proposal that these GRBs are producedby mergers of two neutron stars 2) the first detection of the X-rays shock break-out from asupernova 3) the detection of long faint GRB which ground-based observations revealedto be the most distant known stellar object at a redshift of 93 4) the first observationsof a relativistic jet produced by the tidal disruption of star by a massive black hole5) discovering a GRB located at a distance of several billion light-years that was sobright it was visible to the naked eye for several seconds and 6) detection of a burst thatproduced for a few seconds an amount of electromagnetic energy that was comparable tothat of the entire rest of the universe
NuSTAR which is providing a view of the universe in the high X-ray regime is now inits third year of operations Dr Brandtrsquos group has led a number of studies based on thenew data that have provided insights into the properties and environments of supermassiveblack holes located in the centers of galaxies
Theoretical Cosmology at the Center
Dr Shanderarsquos research concentrates on the first moments of the universersquos existencein particular the period when the universe is thought to have undergone an incredibly rapidphase of expansion (the ldquoinflationrdquo theory) that occurred approximately 10minus35 s after theBig Bang Dr Shanderarsquos primary goals are to understand the nature of quantum fields inthis era and to identify observational signals that can test whether this inflationary phasedid indeed exist
Dr Lirsquos group has developed sophisticated computer codes incorporating detailedphysical processes and the large-scale evolution of structure in the universe to addresssome of the most pressing questions in cosmology ranging from the appearance of the firstsupermassive black holes in the universe to the formation of our own galaxy the MilkyWay
Dr Jeong is extensively involved in large-scale surveys (see above) but also is inves-tigating questions such as the applicability of Einsteinrsquos Theory of General Relativity overthe largest spans of distance and time in the universe and the nature of Dark Energy
The Annual Neighborhood Cosmology Conference
During the spring semesters in 2013 and 2014 the Center hosted a ldquoNeighborhoodCosmology Conferencerdquo that was attended by scientists from a number of local institutionsThis two-day affair brings together approximately 90 astronomers and physicists to discussthe latest developments in cosmology The vast majority of the attendees are students(undergraduate and graduate) and postdocs Institutions that have participated includeJohns Hopkins the University of Pennsylvania the University of Pittsburgh RutgersUniversity Carnegie Mellon University Case Western Reserve University and CornellUniversity In addition to the productive science exchanges the conference is a usefulrecruiting tool for the Physics and the Astronomy Departments
Special recognition is due to Dr Shandera and Ms Randi Neshteruk for their superborganizational efforts for the conferences
Conclusion
Center scientists have been at the forefront of cosmological research for more than adecade and their leadership roles in a number of major current and near-future projectspromises to maintain Penn Statersquos high profile in this exciting and important field Anindication of the Centerrsquos scientific impact is that since the Centerrsquos creation in mid-2011Center scientists have published 208 peer-reviewed papers these works have garnered 6570citations We expect that this rate of productivity will increase due to the addition of recentfaculty hires and as results are produced by the major new projects (NuStar SDSS-IVHETDEX) The Physics and the Astronomy Departments were both highly-ranked by the2010 National Research Councilrsquos review and the high-profile activity of the Center willplay an important role in maintaining and bolstering this reputation
13 13 13 13 13 13 The13 primary13 goal13 of13 our13 center13 is13 to13 foster13 research13 and13 education13 in13 some13 fundamental13 areas13 at13 the13 forefront13 of13 theoretical13 and13 mathematical13 physics13 These13 areas13 include13 theories13 that13 attempt13 to13 unify13 Einsteins13 theory13 of13 gravity13 and13 quantum13 mechanics13 general13 relativity13 and13 supergravity13 cosmology13 non-shy‐commutative13 geometry13 and13 related13 areas13 of13 mathematics13 and13 philosophy13 of13 science13 We13 have13 faculty13 members13 from13 Physics13 Mathematics13 as13 well13 as13 Philosophy13 Department13 13 13 The13 two13 leading13 approaches13 to13 quantum13 gravity13 are13 both13 represented13 at13 our13 center13 namely13 loop13 quantum13 gravity13 and13 string13 theory13 Loop13 quantum13 gravity13 which13 was13 developed13 mainly13 here13 at13 Penn13 State13 attempts13 to13 quantize13 gravity13 in13 four13 space-shy‐time13 dimensions13 by13 itself13 13 String13 theory13 is13 more13 ambitious13 and13 attempts13 to13 unify13 all13 known13 forces13 of13 nature13 including13 gravity13 in13 a13 quantum13 mechanically13 consistent13 framework13 13 Penn13 State13 is13 the13 only13 US13 institution13 where13 both13 of13 these13 approaches13 are13 being13 developed13 13 13 At13 any13 given13 time13 the13 researchers13 in13 our13 center13 work13 on13 many13 exciting13 and13 interesting13 problems13 Currently13 we13 have13 a13 major13 research13 activity13 on13 loop13 quantum13 cosmology13 which13 was13 initiated13 and13 largely13 developed13 here13 in13 our13 center13 by13 Martin13 Bojowald13 Abhay13 Ashtekar13 and13 their13 coworkers13 13 By13 now13 this13 is13 a13 very13 active13 area13 of13 research13 among13 physicists13 that13 work13 on13 loop13 quantum13 gravity13 worldwide13 13 The13 original13 singularity13 of13 the13 classical13 theory13 of13 general13 relativity13 corresponding13 to13 the13 big13 bang13 gets13 resolved13 due13 to13 quantum13
effects13 and13 the13 big13 bang13 and13 big13 crunch13 singularities13 are13 replaced13 by13 big13 bounces13 in13 some13 of13 the13 loop13 quantum13 cosmology13 models13 13 13 The13 researchers13 in13 this13 field13 are13 currently13 trying13 to13 understand13 the13 physics13 of13 the13 early13 universe13 and13 thereby13 explain13 the13 current13 cosmological13 observations13 such13 as13 the13 large-shy‐scale13 structure13 of13 the13 observed13 universe13 13 13 Another13 current13 major13 research13 area13 in13 the13 center13 is13 the13 work13 on13 scattering13 amplitude13 calculations13 in13 supergravity13 theories13 and13 study13 of13 their13 finiteness13 properties13 13 Supergravity13 theories13 are13 extensions13 of13 Einsteinrsquos13 theory13 of13 general13 relativity13 whose13 quantization13 leads13 to13 additional13 particles13 other13 than13 the13 graviton13 which13 mediates13 the13 gravitational13 force13 13 Through13 a13 remarkable13 tour13 de13 force13 of13 technical13 calculation13 Radu13 Roiban13 and13 his13 co-shy‐workers13 showed13 that13 the13 maximal13 supergravity13 is13 finite13 up13 to13 four13 loops13 in13 perturbative13 quantum13 theory13 13 This13 was13 an13 unexpected13 result13 since13 the13 perturbative13 quantization13 of13 Einsteinrsquos13 general13 relativity13 leads13 to13 incurable13 infinities13 already13 at13 two13 loops13 This13 work13 has13 been13 one13 of13 the13 main13 motivators13 for13 the13 exciting13 and13 important13 developments13 in13 the13 field13 of13 amplitude13 calculations13 in13 supergravity13 and13 supersymmetric13 field13 theories13 in13 recent13 years13 13 13 One13 of13 our13 main13 activities13 is13 to13 organize13 workshops13 on13 recent13 exciting13 developments13 in13 areas13 represented13 in13 our13 Center13 These13 workshops13 have13 been13 very13 successful13 and13 contributed13 to13 the13 visibility13 of13 our13 Center13 greatly13 by13 bringing13 leading13 scientists13 working13 in13 these13 areas13 to13 Penn13 State13 They13 also13 foster13 the13 synergy13 in13 the13 Center13 For13 example13 last13 year13 M13 Bojowald13 M13 Gunaydin13 and13 P13 Xu13 organized13 a13 workshop13 on13 Non-shy‐Associativity13 in13 Physics13 and13 Related13 Mathematical13 Structures13 that13 brought13 together13 physicists13 and13 mathematicians13 including13 a13 field13 medalist13 13 Similarly13 in13 201313 A13 Ashtekar13 G13 Fleming13 and13 E13 Grosholz13 organized13 a13 workshop13 on13 Cosmology13 and13 Time13 that13 brought13 physicists13 and13 philosophers13 together13 We13 also13 initiated13 a13 series13 of13 workshops13 rotating13 between13 Penn13 State13 the13 Albert13 Einstein13 Institute13 in13 Potsdam13 Germany13 Cambridge13 University13 Imperial13 College13 and13 Texas13 AampM13 University13 13 13 13 Murat13 Gunaydin13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 February13 1613 201513
- Agenda
- 15rep-cavener
- Letter to the editor_ Lecture was outstanding _ Letters to the Editor _ CentreDaily
- governance-13
- CPGA-Highlights
- AMON Slides for Dean Cavener
-
- Pages from AMON_Statuspdf
- Pages from AMON_Status-2pdf
- Pages from AMON_Status-3pdf
- AMON MoU Listpdf
-
- ctocshort
- CFT_2015
-
Outreach bull IGC is deeply involved in outreach
Semi-popular and popular lectures world-wide Featured in TV and other documentaries a 43 minute YouTube video on
Loop Quantum Cosmology has had over 75000 hits since August 2013 Workshop on lsquoExtreme Particle Astrophysicsrsquo for high school teachers Semi-popular books two recently featured in book clubs Forefront research has featured widely in semi-popular press including
The Economist Fox News The New York Times MSNBC Nature National Geographic Science Scientific American US News and World Report as well as European South American and Asian Press (Bild der Wissenschaft New Scientist Spectrum Volksprant La Recherche The Telegraph hellip )
bull At PSU Several press releases a year popular lectures hellip through Barbara Kennedyrsquos office The Frontiers of Science Lecture series started at IGC and then extended by ECOS to other disciplines This yearrsquos series celebrating the 100th anniversary of Einsteinrsquos discovery of General Relativity is co-sponsored by IGC Each of the 4 lectures to date drew an audience of over 400 and the excellence of these lectures has prompted Letters to the Editor in CDT
CentreDailycomLetter to the editor Lecture was outstandingFebruary 12 2015
Google PlusMore
LinkedinRedditYouTube
E-mailPrint
I had the privilege of hearing one of the best scientific talks I have ever attended
Nergis Malvalvala a professor of astrophysics from MIT held her audience spellbound Saturday as shedescribed ldquoThe Warped Side of the Universerdquo as part of Penn Statersquos Frontiers of Science annual lectureseries for the general public
In less than an hour using easy-to-conceptualize real-world analogies such as ldquoputting a bowling ball on aseat cushionrdquo or likening light waves to extroverts at a party who interact with anyone they happen to meet(as opposed to the ldquointrovertedrdquo gravitational waves that donrsquot interact very much with others) this amazingyoung woman explained some basic and some quite complex physical and astrophysical concepts involvingthe measurement of light waves and gravitational waves identifying black holes and the behavior of neutronstars and pulsars
She accomplished this extraordinary feat like a skilled magician keeping up a steady stream of casualconversation cracking occasional jokes and periodically making sure the audience was following the storyso that she could pull the rabbit out of the hat while we werenrsquot looking
I wish she had been my high school physics teacher I might have become an astronaut
The topic of this yearrsquos lecture series is 100 Years after Einsteinrsquos Theory of Relativity New Science fromGeneral Relativity The lectures in this free public mini-course are recorded and can be accessed atsciencepsuedunews-and-eventsfrontiers
Carol Anderson
State College
Google PlusMore
LinkedinRedditYouTube
E-mailPrint
Join The ConversationCentre Daily Times is pleased to provide this opportunity to share information experiences and observationsabout whats in the news Some of the comments may be reprinted elsewhere in the site or in thenewspaper We encourage lively open debate on the issues of the day and ask that you refrain fromprofanity hate speech personal comments and remarks that are off point Thank you for taking the time tooffer your thoughts
Commenting FAQs | Terms of Service
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Social Media gtGet updates via Facebook and Twitter
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copy 2015 wwwcentredailycom and wire service sources All Rights Reserved httpwwwcentredailycom
Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos Governance Plan
The Pennsylvania State University has established the Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos It builds upon the success of the prior Institute for Gravitational Physics and Geometry The primary mission of the institute is to promote excellence in research by facilitating synergy between various areas it encompasses It will foster collaborative research and activities leading to a deeper understanding of the physical cosmos we inhabit and hopefully to the creation of new recognized disciplines The Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos encompasses three interrelated centers Center for Fundamental Theory (CFT)
Center for Particle and Gravitational Astrophysics (CPGA) Center for Theoretical and Observational Cosmology (CTOC)
With its emphasis on interdisciplinary studies the IGC is more than the sum of these centers It stimulates collaborative research between centers as well as within each center Internal Advisory Board This board advises and provides direction to the institute leadership on all matters relating to its governance and operation The dean of the Eberly College of Science is the Chair of the Internal Advisory Board He is responsible for changes in its membership in consultation with the institute director This board appoints the associate director and the center directors upon recommendation by the institute director The institute director will consult with faculty members before making the recommendation The Internal Advisory Board also approves nominations for new faculty members and renewals of current faculty These nominations are made by the institute members through the institute director and associate director Members of the Internal Advisory Board are appointed to renewable 3 year terms External Advisory Board The dean of the Eberly College of Science also chairs the External Advisory Board He is responsible for changes in its membership in consultation with the institute director The External Advisory Board consults on scientific matters and also on development strategies Its membership would include distinguished scientists in fields representing all of the centers as well as community leaders who are able to provide advice on development strategies Director Working with members the director will create and articulate shared scientific vision for the institute He also has the primary responsibility for the institute administration The director holds a standing position and will undergo reviews as per PSU policies Institute resources are apportioned by the director in consultation with the associate director the center directors and the Internal Advisory Board as needed The director is responsible for an annual report to the Internal Advisory Board summarizing the activities of the institute The annual report will be open to all faculty members Associate Director The associate director participates in all major administrative
decisions The director and associate director are free to divide among themselves the charge of day-to-day governance issues The term of appointment can be up to 3 years and may be renewed by the Internal Advisory Board in consultation with the director Center Directors The center directors are responsible for administering their separate centers They represent their centers acting in consultation with their faculty members as well as the institute director and associate director Each center director provides information on the activities of the center for the annual report by the institute director Appointment durations can be up to 3 years and may be renewed by the Internal Advisory Board in consultation with the institute director Faculty members Penn State faculty members may be appointed to membership in the institute by the Internal Advisory Board upon nomination by the institute director Appointments are made for up to 3 years at a time but may be renewed by the same procedure Each faculty member of the institute will also be a member of at least one of its centers An institute member who is a member of more than one center is expected to identify a primary affiliation with one of them Membership in the institute and its centers normally extends also to research associates postdoctoral scholars and research students who are working with a faculty member on topics within the scope of the institute These members participate in institute activities benefit from institute-sponsored programs and meetings and are listed in the institute directory The institute director and associate director are responsible for maintaining the full list of current members through consultation with the faculty members This document provides governance guidelines for the initial phase of the IGC Since establishment of the IGC is rather special in many respects this document may be revised and updated on an ongoing basis at the discretion of the Internal Advisory Board Approved by the Internal Advisory Board January 30th 2008
Center13 for13 Particle13 and13 Gravitational13 Astrophysics13 13
Highlights13 13
Most13 exciting13 eventsdiscoveries13 from13 CPGA13 13 13 (1) Swift13 201113 ndash13 Discovery13 of13 star13 disruption13 by13 a13 million13 solar13 mass13
black13 hole13 leading13 to13 a13 gamma-shy‐ray13 emitting13 relativistic13 jet13 13 13 (2) IceCube13 2011-shy‐201213 ndash13 Impose13 first13 serious13 constraints13 on13 neutrino13
emission13 and13 cosmic13 ray13 acceleration13 in13 Gamma13 Ray13 Bursts13 13 (3) IceCube13 2013-shy‐201413 ndash13 Discover13 the13 first13 ldquoguaranteed13 astrophysicalrdquo13
origin13 neutrinos13 at13 TeV-shy‐PeV13 energies13 ndash13 source13 unknown13 so13 far13 13 (4) Auger13 measured13 (2008-shy‐2009)13 the13 ldquoGZKrdquo13 cutoff13 in13 the13 highest13 energy13
cosmic13 rays13 ever13 measured13 (1E2013 eV13 fast13 baseball13 10013 kmhr)13 13 (5) Advanced-shy‐LIGO13 Livingston13 site13 operating13 Hanford13 next13 summer13
next13 science13 run13 this13 fall13 13 13 (6) HAWC13 completed13 instrumenting13 full13 tanks13 inaugural13 conference13 in13
March13 will13 observe13 gamma13 rays13 at13 energies13 above13 those13 of13 Fermi13 spacecraft13 13
13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
13 13
Pierre Auger ObservatoryPublic Event Explorer
Page hosted by the Auger group atColorado State University
Imagery copy2013 TerraMetrics Map data copy2013 Google -
The
AM
ON
Idea
13 13 13 13 13 13 Triggering13 observatories13 13 bull Provide13 sub-shy‐threshold13
candidate13 events13 to13 AMON13 in13 real13 me13
The13 AMON13 Idea13
bull Seeks13 coincidences13 in13 me13 and13 space13 bull Generates13 alerts13 -shy‐13 broadcast13 and13 archived13 bull Enables13 archival13 analyses13
bull respond13 to13 AMON13 alerts13
413 AMON13
ν13 ϒ13
gw13 n13
Use13 messenger13 parcles13 of13 all13 four13 fundamental13 forces13
x13 UV13 opcal13 13
ϒ13
AMON13
Follow-shy‐up13 observatories13 13
The
AM
ON
Idea
13
513 AMON13
The13 AMON13 Idea13
Future13
Status13 quo13
Many13 bilateral13 agreements13 among13 various13 observatories13 and13 cross-shy‐collaborave13 analyses13 13 No13 unified13 mullateral13 agreement13 and13 unified13 13 analyses13 of13 mulmessenger13 data13 13 Mostly13 unidireconal13 13 13
AMON13 serves13 as13 a13 central13 hub13 for13 collecng13 data13 from13 various13 mulmessenger13 facilies13 13 Performs13 unified13 analyses13 on13 mulmessenger13 data13 13 13 Gain13 in13 effecve13 aggregate13 sensivity13 13 Simplified13 protocols13 of13 cross-shy‐collaborave13 analyses13
AM
ON
Netw
ork13
613 14-shy‐12-shy‐1013 AMON13
13 13 13 13 13 613 Memoranda13 of13 Understandings13 (MoUs)13 signed13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 113 MoU13 in13 review13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 213 more13 leYer13 of13 collaboraon13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 many13 more13 in13 the13 future13 13
Triggering13 13 IceCube13 ANTARES13 Auger13 HAWC13 VERITAS13 SwiG13 BAThellip13 13 13 13
Follow-shy‐up13 13 SwiG13 XRT13 ampUVOT13 VERITAS13 13
hYpamongravitypsuedu13 13
AstropPhys13 Vol13 4513 56ndash7013 201313 13
Overview for the Center for Theoretical and Observational Cosmology
The study of the large-scale properties and evolution of the cosmos is one of the mostintellectually challenging and exciting scientific endeavors of the early 21st century Thisfield of research addresses the most fundamental questions that can be posed and is one ofgreat public interest Scientists at the Center for Theoretical and Observational Cosmologyare engaged in a wide variety of activities frequently holding scientific leadership positionsin large international collaborations that are probing the basic properties of the universeThe Centerrsquos research efforts are concentrated in Wide-Area Cosmological Surveys theHigh-Energy Universe and Theoretical Investigations of the conditions in the extremelyearly universe and the formation and evolution of large structures throughout cosmic time
Wide-Area Cosmological Surveys
The foundation of these recent advances are the wide-area (covering a significant frac-tion of the sky) high-quality surveys that have been undertaken in the past two decadesThe most prominent of these projects is the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) The SDSSobservations of galaxies and quasars allowed the construction of detailed maps of the dis-tribution of matter in the universe the structures that are detected are some of the mostimportant constraints on theoretical models of the properties and evolution of the universe
During SDSSrsquos first decade Penn State scientists were in charge of the quasar scienceof the survey On several occasions during this period the SDSS quasar team identified themost distant known object in the universe and discovered (after astronomers had searchedfor nearly 40 years) the era when the intergalactic medium transitioned from a neutral toan ionized state Penn State has joined the fourth phase (which started on 1 July 2014)as an institutional member Drs Niel Brandt and Michael Eracleous (observational) andSarah Shandera and Donghui Jeong (theoretical) are actively engaged in SDSS-IV
Penn State is playing an important part in another large cosmological survey theHobby-Eberly Telescope Dark Energy Experiment (HETDEX) which should begin obser-vations in late 2015 The goal of this multi-year project is to identify approximately onemillion galaxies in the era when the universe was only a quarter of its current linear sizerevealing information about the rate of expansion of the universe at that time and providea key constraint on cosmological models In preparation for this ambitious project theHETDEX Pilot Survey was undertaken using one of the smaller telescopes at McDon-ald Observatory Drs Robin Ciardullo Caryl Gronwall and Jeong are now analyzingand publishing of the Pilot Survey results which are revealing the physical conditions ingalaxies billions of years in the past
Every ten years the US Astronomical Community produces a report that lists thehighest priorities for the next decade the top-ranked project for ground-based astronomyin the most recent document was the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) The LSSTwill be able to obtain images of approximately 50 of the sky every few nights providinginsights on issues ranging from our cosmic neighborhood (identifying and tracking ldquokillerasteroidsrdquo) to the most distant reaches of the universe (properties of Dark Energy) PennState has been an institutional member of this large international project since 2005 andhas been an active participant of the governance and science planning Dr Brandt is incharge of developing the plan for LSSTrsquoS deepest observations
The High-Energy Universe
High-energy astrophysics (X-rays and γ-rays) has long been one of Penn Statersquosstrengths The two signature projects are the design and construction of the primaryinstrument for the Chandra spacecraft one of NASArsquos ldquoGreat Observatoriesrdquo and PennStatersquos major role in NASArsquos Swift satellite which studies γ-ray bursts (GRBs) In ad-dition Dr Brandt is heavily involved in the NuSTAR (Nuclear Spectroscopic TelescopeArray) satellite program which began taking observations in 2012
Chandra launched in 1999 has provided our sharpest and deepest view of the X-rayuniverse Dr Brandt has led a series of studies that have revealed the characteristics ofhigh-energy emission from the first supermassive black holes to form in the universe HisldquoSix Megasecondrdquo image of a small piece of sky created with an exposure time of nearly70 days has revealed hundreds of faint X-ray sources The faintest objects are such thatthe X-ray instrument detects one photon from the source every two weeks
Penn State developed two of the three instruments on the Swift satellite and runsSwiftrsquos Mission Operations Center Center scientists Drs Peter Meszaros and Derek Foxhave made major contributions to this project Swift scans the sky for GRBs which arebrief flashes (timescale of a second) of extremely high-energy photons Within minutes ofdetecting a GRB Swift automatically points the onboard X-ray and optical telescopes to-wards the estimated direction of the event and immediately transmits an accurate positionof the event to observers around the world Despite the planned three-year operationallifetime after its 2004 launch NASA has repeatedly extended the mission because of therevolutionary scientific returns that Swift continues to produce
Swift discoveries include 1) the first precise locations of ldquoshortrdquo (less than a secondduration) GRBs providing solid support for the proposal that these GRBs are producedby mergers of two neutron stars 2) the first detection of the X-rays shock break-out from asupernova 3) the detection of long faint GRB which ground-based observations revealedto be the most distant known stellar object at a redshift of 93 4) the first observationsof a relativistic jet produced by the tidal disruption of star by a massive black hole5) discovering a GRB located at a distance of several billion light-years that was sobright it was visible to the naked eye for several seconds and 6) detection of a burst thatproduced for a few seconds an amount of electromagnetic energy that was comparable tothat of the entire rest of the universe
NuSTAR which is providing a view of the universe in the high X-ray regime is now inits third year of operations Dr Brandtrsquos group has led a number of studies based on thenew data that have provided insights into the properties and environments of supermassiveblack holes located in the centers of galaxies
Theoretical Cosmology at the Center
Dr Shanderarsquos research concentrates on the first moments of the universersquos existencein particular the period when the universe is thought to have undergone an incredibly rapidphase of expansion (the ldquoinflationrdquo theory) that occurred approximately 10minus35 s after theBig Bang Dr Shanderarsquos primary goals are to understand the nature of quantum fields inthis era and to identify observational signals that can test whether this inflationary phasedid indeed exist
Dr Lirsquos group has developed sophisticated computer codes incorporating detailedphysical processes and the large-scale evolution of structure in the universe to addresssome of the most pressing questions in cosmology ranging from the appearance of the firstsupermassive black holes in the universe to the formation of our own galaxy the MilkyWay
Dr Jeong is extensively involved in large-scale surveys (see above) but also is inves-tigating questions such as the applicability of Einsteinrsquos Theory of General Relativity overthe largest spans of distance and time in the universe and the nature of Dark Energy
The Annual Neighborhood Cosmology Conference
During the spring semesters in 2013 and 2014 the Center hosted a ldquoNeighborhoodCosmology Conferencerdquo that was attended by scientists from a number of local institutionsThis two-day affair brings together approximately 90 astronomers and physicists to discussthe latest developments in cosmology The vast majority of the attendees are students(undergraduate and graduate) and postdocs Institutions that have participated includeJohns Hopkins the University of Pennsylvania the University of Pittsburgh RutgersUniversity Carnegie Mellon University Case Western Reserve University and CornellUniversity In addition to the productive science exchanges the conference is a usefulrecruiting tool for the Physics and the Astronomy Departments
Special recognition is due to Dr Shandera and Ms Randi Neshteruk for their superborganizational efforts for the conferences
Conclusion
Center scientists have been at the forefront of cosmological research for more than adecade and their leadership roles in a number of major current and near-future projectspromises to maintain Penn Statersquos high profile in this exciting and important field Anindication of the Centerrsquos scientific impact is that since the Centerrsquos creation in mid-2011Center scientists have published 208 peer-reviewed papers these works have garnered 6570citations We expect that this rate of productivity will increase due to the addition of recentfaculty hires and as results are produced by the major new projects (NuStar SDSS-IVHETDEX) The Physics and the Astronomy Departments were both highly-ranked by the2010 National Research Councilrsquos review and the high-profile activity of the Center willplay an important role in maintaining and bolstering this reputation
13 13 13 13 13 13 The13 primary13 goal13 of13 our13 center13 is13 to13 foster13 research13 and13 education13 in13 some13 fundamental13 areas13 at13 the13 forefront13 of13 theoretical13 and13 mathematical13 physics13 These13 areas13 include13 theories13 that13 attempt13 to13 unify13 Einsteins13 theory13 of13 gravity13 and13 quantum13 mechanics13 general13 relativity13 and13 supergravity13 cosmology13 non-shy‐commutative13 geometry13 and13 related13 areas13 of13 mathematics13 and13 philosophy13 of13 science13 We13 have13 faculty13 members13 from13 Physics13 Mathematics13 as13 well13 as13 Philosophy13 Department13 13 13 The13 two13 leading13 approaches13 to13 quantum13 gravity13 are13 both13 represented13 at13 our13 center13 namely13 loop13 quantum13 gravity13 and13 string13 theory13 Loop13 quantum13 gravity13 which13 was13 developed13 mainly13 here13 at13 Penn13 State13 attempts13 to13 quantize13 gravity13 in13 four13 space-shy‐time13 dimensions13 by13 itself13 13 String13 theory13 is13 more13 ambitious13 and13 attempts13 to13 unify13 all13 known13 forces13 of13 nature13 including13 gravity13 in13 a13 quantum13 mechanically13 consistent13 framework13 13 Penn13 State13 is13 the13 only13 US13 institution13 where13 both13 of13 these13 approaches13 are13 being13 developed13 13 13 At13 any13 given13 time13 the13 researchers13 in13 our13 center13 work13 on13 many13 exciting13 and13 interesting13 problems13 Currently13 we13 have13 a13 major13 research13 activity13 on13 loop13 quantum13 cosmology13 which13 was13 initiated13 and13 largely13 developed13 here13 in13 our13 center13 by13 Martin13 Bojowald13 Abhay13 Ashtekar13 and13 their13 coworkers13 13 By13 now13 this13 is13 a13 very13 active13 area13 of13 research13 among13 physicists13 that13 work13 on13 loop13 quantum13 gravity13 worldwide13 13 The13 original13 singularity13 of13 the13 classical13 theory13 of13 general13 relativity13 corresponding13 to13 the13 big13 bang13 gets13 resolved13 due13 to13 quantum13
effects13 and13 the13 big13 bang13 and13 big13 crunch13 singularities13 are13 replaced13 by13 big13 bounces13 in13 some13 of13 the13 loop13 quantum13 cosmology13 models13 13 13 The13 researchers13 in13 this13 field13 are13 currently13 trying13 to13 understand13 the13 physics13 of13 the13 early13 universe13 and13 thereby13 explain13 the13 current13 cosmological13 observations13 such13 as13 the13 large-shy‐scale13 structure13 of13 the13 observed13 universe13 13 13 Another13 current13 major13 research13 area13 in13 the13 center13 is13 the13 work13 on13 scattering13 amplitude13 calculations13 in13 supergravity13 theories13 and13 study13 of13 their13 finiteness13 properties13 13 Supergravity13 theories13 are13 extensions13 of13 Einsteinrsquos13 theory13 of13 general13 relativity13 whose13 quantization13 leads13 to13 additional13 particles13 other13 than13 the13 graviton13 which13 mediates13 the13 gravitational13 force13 13 Through13 a13 remarkable13 tour13 de13 force13 of13 technical13 calculation13 Radu13 Roiban13 and13 his13 co-shy‐workers13 showed13 that13 the13 maximal13 supergravity13 is13 finite13 up13 to13 four13 loops13 in13 perturbative13 quantum13 theory13 13 This13 was13 an13 unexpected13 result13 since13 the13 perturbative13 quantization13 of13 Einsteinrsquos13 general13 relativity13 leads13 to13 incurable13 infinities13 already13 at13 two13 loops13 This13 work13 has13 been13 one13 of13 the13 main13 motivators13 for13 the13 exciting13 and13 important13 developments13 in13 the13 field13 of13 amplitude13 calculations13 in13 supergravity13 and13 supersymmetric13 field13 theories13 in13 recent13 years13 13 13 One13 of13 our13 main13 activities13 is13 to13 organize13 workshops13 on13 recent13 exciting13 developments13 in13 areas13 represented13 in13 our13 Center13 These13 workshops13 have13 been13 very13 successful13 and13 contributed13 to13 the13 visibility13 of13 our13 Center13 greatly13 by13 bringing13 leading13 scientists13 working13 in13 these13 areas13 to13 Penn13 State13 They13 also13 foster13 the13 synergy13 in13 the13 Center13 For13 example13 last13 year13 M13 Bojowald13 M13 Gunaydin13 and13 P13 Xu13 organized13 a13 workshop13 on13 Non-shy‐Associativity13 in13 Physics13 and13 Related13 Mathematical13 Structures13 that13 brought13 together13 physicists13 and13 mathematicians13 including13 a13 field13 medalist13 13 Similarly13 in13 201313 A13 Ashtekar13 G13 Fleming13 and13 E13 Grosholz13 organized13 a13 workshop13 on13 Cosmology13 and13 Time13 that13 brought13 physicists13 and13 philosophers13 together13 We13 also13 initiated13 a13 series13 of13 workshops13 rotating13 between13 Penn13 State13 the13 Albert13 Einstein13 Institute13 in13 Potsdam13 Germany13 Cambridge13 University13 Imperial13 College13 and13 Texas13 AampM13 University13 13 13 13 Murat13 Gunaydin13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 February13 1613 201513
- Agenda
- 15rep-cavener
- Letter to the editor_ Lecture was outstanding _ Letters to the Editor _ CentreDaily
- governance-13
- CPGA-Highlights
- AMON Slides for Dean Cavener
-
- Pages from AMON_Statuspdf
- Pages from AMON_Status-2pdf
- Pages from AMON_Status-3pdf
- AMON MoU Listpdf
-
- ctocshort
- CFT_2015
-
CentreDailycomLetter to the editor Lecture was outstandingFebruary 12 2015
Google PlusMore
LinkedinRedditYouTube
E-mailPrint
I had the privilege of hearing one of the best scientific talks I have ever attended
Nergis Malvalvala a professor of astrophysics from MIT held her audience spellbound Saturday as shedescribed ldquoThe Warped Side of the Universerdquo as part of Penn Statersquos Frontiers of Science annual lectureseries for the general public
In less than an hour using easy-to-conceptualize real-world analogies such as ldquoputting a bowling ball on aseat cushionrdquo or likening light waves to extroverts at a party who interact with anyone they happen to meet(as opposed to the ldquointrovertedrdquo gravitational waves that donrsquot interact very much with others) this amazingyoung woman explained some basic and some quite complex physical and astrophysical concepts involvingthe measurement of light waves and gravitational waves identifying black holes and the behavior of neutronstars and pulsars
She accomplished this extraordinary feat like a skilled magician keeping up a steady stream of casualconversation cracking occasional jokes and periodically making sure the audience was following the storyso that she could pull the rabbit out of the hat while we werenrsquot looking
I wish she had been my high school physics teacher I might have become an astronaut
The topic of this yearrsquos lecture series is 100 Years after Einsteinrsquos Theory of Relativity New Science fromGeneral Relativity The lectures in this free public mini-course are recorded and can be accessed atsciencepsuedunews-and-eventsfrontiers
Carol Anderson
State College
Google PlusMore
LinkedinRedditYouTube
E-mailPrint
Join The ConversationCentre Daily Times is pleased to provide this opportunity to share information experiences and observationsabout whats in the news Some of the comments may be reprinted elsewhere in the site or in thenewspaper We encourage lively open debate on the issues of the day and ask that you refrain fromprofanity hate speech personal comments and remarks that are off point Thank you for taking the time tooffer your thoughts
Commenting FAQs | Terms of Service
Email Newsletters gtManage newsletter subscriptions
Tablets gtApps and services for tablet devices
Mobile gtApps and services for your mobile phone
Social Media gtGet updates via Facebook and Twitter
e-Edition gtYour daily paper delivered to your computer
Home Delivery gtManage your home delivery account
Digital Subscriptions gtManage your online subscriptions
copy 2015 wwwcentredailycom and wire service sources All Rights Reserved httpwwwcentredailycom
Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos Governance Plan
The Pennsylvania State University has established the Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos It builds upon the success of the prior Institute for Gravitational Physics and Geometry The primary mission of the institute is to promote excellence in research by facilitating synergy between various areas it encompasses It will foster collaborative research and activities leading to a deeper understanding of the physical cosmos we inhabit and hopefully to the creation of new recognized disciplines The Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos encompasses three interrelated centers Center for Fundamental Theory (CFT)
Center for Particle and Gravitational Astrophysics (CPGA) Center for Theoretical and Observational Cosmology (CTOC)
With its emphasis on interdisciplinary studies the IGC is more than the sum of these centers It stimulates collaborative research between centers as well as within each center Internal Advisory Board This board advises and provides direction to the institute leadership on all matters relating to its governance and operation The dean of the Eberly College of Science is the Chair of the Internal Advisory Board He is responsible for changes in its membership in consultation with the institute director This board appoints the associate director and the center directors upon recommendation by the institute director The institute director will consult with faculty members before making the recommendation The Internal Advisory Board also approves nominations for new faculty members and renewals of current faculty These nominations are made by the institute members through the institute director and associate director Members of the Internal Advisory Board are appointed to renewable 3 year terms External Advisory Board The dean of the Eberly College of Science also chairs the External Advisory Board He is responsible for changes in its membership in consultation with the institute director The External Advisory Board consults on scientific matters and also on development strategies Its membership would include distinguished scientists in fields representing all of the centers as well as community leaders who are able to provide advice on development strategies Director Working with members the director will create and articulate shared scientific vision for the institute He also has the primary responsibility for the institute administration The director holds a standing position and will undergo reviews as per PSU policies Institute resources are apportioned by the director in consultation with the associate director the center directors and the Internal Advisory Board as needed The director is responsible for an annual report to the Internal Advisory Board summarizing the activities of the institute The annual report will be open to all faculty members Associate Director The associate director participates in all major administrative
decisions The director and associate director are free to divide among themselves the charge of day-to-day governance issues The term of appointment can be up to 3 years and may be renewed by the Internal Advisory Board in consultation with the director Center Directors The center directors are responsible for administering their separate centers They represent their centers acting in consultation with their faculty members as well as the institute director and associate director Each center director provides information on the activities of the center for the annual report by the institute director Appointment durations can be up to 3 years and may be renewed by the Internal Advisory Board in consultation with the institute director Faculty members Penn State faculty members may be appointed to membership in the institute by the Internal Advisory Board upon nomination by the institute director Appointments are made for up to 3 years at a time but may be renewed by the same procedure Each faculty member of the institute will also be a member of at least one of its centers An institute member who is a member of more than one center is expected to identify a primary affiliation with one of them Membership in the institute and its centers normally extends also to research associates postdoctoral scholars and research students who are working with a faculty member on topics within the scope of the institute These members participate in institute activities benefit from institute-sponsored programs and meetings and are listed in the institute directory The institute director and associate director are responsible for maintaining the full list of current members through consultation with the faculty members This document provides governance guidelines for the initial phase of the IGC Since establishment of the IGC is rather special in many respects this document may be revised and updated on an ongoing basis at the discretion of the Internal Advisory Board Approved by the Internal Advisory Board January 30th 2008
Center13 for13 Particle13 and13 Gravitational13 Astrophysics13 13
Highlights13 13
Most13 exciting13 eventsdiscoveries13 from13 CPGA13 13 13 (1) Swift13 201113 ndash13 Discovery13 of13 star13 disruption13 by13 a13 million13 solar13 mass13
black13 hole13 leading13 to13 a13 gamma-shy‐ray13 emitting13 relativistic13 jet13 13 13 (2) IceCube13 2011-shy‐201213 ndash13 Impose13 first13 serious13 constraints13 on13 neutrino13
emission13 and13 cosmic13 ray13 acceleration13 in13 Gamma13 Ray13 Bursts13 13 (3) IceCube13 2013-shy‐201413 ndash13 Discover13 the13 first13 ldquoguaranteed13 astrophysicalrdquo13
origin13 neutrinos13 at13 TeV-shy‐PeV13 energies13 ndash13 source13 unknown13 so13 far13 13 (4) Auger13 measured13 (2008-shy‐2009)13 the13 ldquoGZKrdquo13 cutoff13 in13 the13 highest13 energy13
cosmic13 rays13 ever13 measured13 (1E2013 eV13 fast13 baseball13 10013 kmhr)13 13 (5) Advanced-shy‐LIGO13 Livingston13 site13 operating13 Hanford13 next13 summer13
next13 science13 run13 this13 fall13 13 13 (6) HAWC13 completed13 instrumenting13 full13 tanks13 inaugural13 conference13 in13
March13 will13 observe13 gamma13 rays13 at13 energies13 above13 those13 of13 Fermi13 spacecraft13 13
13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
13 13
Pierre Auger ObservatoryPublic Event Explorer
Page hosted by the Auger group atColorado State University
Imagery copy2013 TerraMetrics Map data copy2013 Google -
The
AM
ON
Idea
13 13 13 13 13 13 Triggering13 observatories13 13 bull Provide13 sub-shy‐threshold13
candidate13 events13 to13 AMON13 in13 real13 me13
The13 AMON13 Idea13
bull Seeks13 coincidences13 in13 me13 and13 space13 bull Generates13 alerts13 -shy‐13 broadcast13 and13 archived13 bull Enables13 archival13 analyses13
bull respond13 to13 AMON13 alerts13
413 AMON13
ν13 ϒ13
gw13 n13
Use13 messenger13 parcles13 of13 all13 four13 fundamental13 forces13
x13 UV13 opcal13 13
ϒ13
AMON13
Follow-shy‐up13 observatories13 13
The
AM
ON
Idea
13
513 AMON13
The13 AMON13 Idea13
Future13
Status13 quo13
Many13 bilateral13 agreements13 among13 various13 observatories13 and13 cross-shy‐collaborave13 analyses13 13 No13 unified13 mullateral13 agreement13 and13 unified13 13 analyses13 of13 mulmessenger13 data13 13 Mostly13 unidireconal13 13 13
AMON13 serves13 as13 a13 central13 hub13 for13 collecng13 data13 from13 various13 mulmessenger13 facilies13 13 Performs13 unified13 analyses13 on13 mulmessenger13 data13 13 13 Gain13 in13 effecve13 aggregate13 sensivity13 13 Simplified13 protocols13 of13 cross-shy‐collaborave13 analyses13
AM
ON
Netw
ork13
613 14-shy‐12-shy‐1013 AMON13
13 13 13 13 13 613 Memoranda13 of13 Understandings13 (MoUs)13 signed13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 113 MoU13 in13 review13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 213 more13 leYer13 of13 collaboraon13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 many13 more13 in13 the13 future13 13
Triggering13 13 IceCube13 ANTARES13 Auger13 HAWC13 VERITAS13 SwiG13 BAThellip13 13 13 13
Follow-shy‐up13 13 SwiG13 XRT13 ampUVOT13 VERITAS13 13
hYpamongravitypsuedu13 13
AstropPhys13 Vol13 4513 56ndash7013 201313 13
Overview for the Center for Theoretical and Observational Cosmology
The study of the large-scale properties and evolution of the cosmos is one of the mostintellectually challenging and exciting scientific endeavors of the early 21st century Thisfield of research addresses the most fundamental questions that can be posed and is one ofgreat public interest Scientists at the Center for Theoretical and Observational Cosmologyare engaged in a wide variety of activities frequently holding scientific leadership positionsin large international collaborations that are probing the basic properties of the universeThe Centerrsquos research efforts are concentrated in Wide-Area Cosmological Surveys theHigh-Energy Universe and Theoretical Investigations of the conditions in the extremelyearly universe and the formation and evolution of large structures throughout cosmic time
Wide-Area Cosmological Surveys
The foundation of these recent advances are the wide-area (covering a significant frac-tion of the sky) high-quality surveys that have been undertaken in the past two decadesThe most prominent of these projects is the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) The SDSSobservations of galaxies and quasars allowed the construction of detailed maps of the dis-tribution of matter in the universe the structures that are detected are some of the mostimportant constraints on theoretical models of the properties and evolution of the universe
During SDSSrsquos first decade Penn State scientists were in charge of the quasar scienceof the survey On several occasions during this period the SDSS quasar team identified themost distant known object in the universe and discovered (after astronomers had searchedfor nearly 40 years) the era when the intergalactic medium transitioned from a neutral toan ionized state Penn State has joined the fourth phase (which started on 1 July 2014)as an institutional member Drs Niel Brandt and Michael Eracleous (observational) andSarah Shandera and Donghui Jeong (theoretical) are actively engaged in SDSS-IV
Penn State is playing an important part in another large cosmological survey theHobby-Eberly Telescope Dark Energy Experiment (HETDEX) which should begin obser-vations in late 2015 The goal of this multi-year project is to identify approximately onemillion galaxies in the era when the universe was only a quarter of its current linear sizerevealing information about the rate of expansion of the universe at that time and providea key constraint on cosmological models In preparation for this ambitious project theHETDEX Pilot Survey was undertaken using one of the smaller telescopes at McDon-ald Observatory Drs Robin Ciardullo Caryl Gronwall and Jeong are now analyzingand publishing of the Pilot Survey results which are revealing the physical conditions ingalaxies billions of years in the past
Every ten years the US Astronomical Community produces a report that lists thehighest priorities for the next decade the top-ranked project for ground-based astronomyin the most recent document was the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) The LSSTwill be able to obtain images of approximately 50 of the sky every few nights providinginsights on issues ranging from our cosmic neighborhood (identifying and tracking ldquokillerasteroidsrdquo) to the most distant reaches of the universe (properties of Dark Energy) PennState has been an institutional member of this large international project since 2005 andhas been an active participant of the governance and science planning Dr Brandt is incharge of developing the plan for LSSTrsquoS deepest observations
The High-Energy Universe
High-energy astrophysics (X-rays and γ-rays) has long been one of Penn Statersquosstrengths The two signature projects are the design and construction of the primaryinstrument for the Chandra spacecraft one of NASArsquos ldquoGreat Observatoriesrdquo and PennStatersquos major role in NASArsquos Swift satellite which studies γ-ray bursts (GRBs) In ad-dition Dr Brandt is heavily involved in the NuSTAR (Nuclear Spectroscopic TelescopeArray) satellite program which began taking observations in 2012
Chandra launched in 1999 has provided our sharpest and deepest view of the X-rayuniverse Dr Brandt has led a series of studies that have revealed the characteristics ofhigh-energy emission from the first supermassive black holes to form in the universe HisldquoSix Megasecondrdquo image of a small piece of sky created with an exposure time of nearly70 days has revealed hundreds of faint X-ray sources The faintest objects are such thatthe X-ray instrument detects one photon from the source every two weeks
Penn State developed two of the three instruments on the Swift satellite and runsSwiftrsquos Mission Operations Center Center scientists Drs Peter Meszaros and Derek Foxhave made major contributions to this project Swift scans the sky for GRBs which arebrief flashes (timescale of a second) of extremely high-energy photons Within minutes ofdetecting a GRB Swift automatically points the onboard X-ray and optical telescopes to-wards the estimated direction of the event and immediately transmits an accurate positionof the event to observers around the world Despite the planned three-year operationallifetime after its 2004 launch NASA has repeatedly extended the mission because of therevolutionary scientific returns that Swift continues to produce
Swift discoveries include 1) the first precise locations of ldquoshortrdquo (less than a secondduration) GRBs providing solid support for the proposal that these GRBs are producedby mergers of two neutron stars 2) the first detection of the X-rays shock break-out from asupernova 3) the detection of long faint GRB which ground-based observations revealedto be the most distant known stellar object at a redshift of 93 4) the first observationsof a relativistic jet produced by the tidal disruption of star by a massive black hole5) discovering a GRB located at a distance of several billion light-years that was sobright it was visible to the naked eye for several seconds and 6) detection of a burst thatproduced for a few seconds an amount of electromagnetic energy that was comparable tothat of the entire rest of the universe
NuSTAR which is providing a view of the universe in the high X-ray regime is now inits third year of operations Dr Brandtrsquos group has led a number of studies based on thenew data that have provided insights into the properties and environments of supermassiveblack holes located in the centers of galaxies
Theoretical Cosmology at the Center
Dr Shanderarsquos research concentrates on the first moments of the universersquos existencein particular the period when the universe is thought to have undergone an incredibly rapidphase of expansion (the ldquoinflationrdquo theory) that occurred approximately 10minus35 s after theBig Bang Dr Shanderarsquos primary goals are to understand the nature of quantum fields inthis era and to identify observational signals that can test whether this inflationary phasedid indeed exist
Dr Lirsquos group has developed sophisticated computer codes incorporating detailedphysical processes and the large-scale evolution of structure in the universe to addresssome of the most pressing questions in cosmology ranging from the appearance of the firstsupermassive black holes in the universe to the formation of our own galaxy the MilkyWay
Dr Jeong is extensively involved in large-scale surveys (see above) but also is inves-tigating questions such as the applicability of Einsteinrsquos Theory of General Relativity overthe largest spans of distance and time in the universe and the nature of Dark Energy
The Annual Neighborhood Cosmology Conference
During the spring semesters in 2013 and 2014 the Center hosted a ldquoNeighborhoodCosmology Conferencerdquo that was attended by scientists from a number of local institutionsThis two-day affair brings together approximately 90 astronomers and physicists to discussthe latest developments in cosmology The vast majority of the attendees are students(undergraduate and graduate) and postdocs Institutions that have participated includeJohns Hopkins the University of Pennsylvania the University of Pittsburgh RutgersUniversity Carnegie Mellon University Case Western Reserve University and CornellUniversity In addition to the productive science exchanges the conference is a usefulrecruiting tool for the Physics and the Astronomy Departments
Special recognition is due to Dr Shandera and Ms Randi Neshteruk for their superborganizational efforts for the conferences
Conclusion
Center scientists have been at the forefront of cosmological research for more than adecade and their leadership roles in a number of major current and near-future projectspromises to maintain Penn Statersquos high profile in this exciting and important field Anindication of the Centerrsquos scientific impact is that since the Centerrsquos creation in mid-2011Center scientists have published 208 peer-reviewed papers these works have garnered 6570citations We expect that this rate of productivity will increase due to the addition of recentfaculty hires and as results are produced by the major new projects (NuStar SDSS-IVHETDEX) The Physics and the Astronomy Departments were both highly-ranked by the2010 National Research Councilrsquos review and the high-profile activity of the Center willplay an important role in maintaining and bolstering this reputation
13 13 13 13 13 13 The13 primary13 goal13 of13 our13 center13 is13 to13 foster13 research13 and13 education13 in13 some13 fundamental13 areas13 at13 the13 forefront13 of13 theoretical13 and13 mathematical13 physics13 These13 areas13 include13 theories13 that13 attempt13 to13 unify13 Einsteins13 theory13 of13 gravity13 and13 quantum13 mechanics13 general13 relativity13 and13 supergravity13 cosmology13 non-shy‐commutative13 geometry13 and13 related13 areas13 of13 mathematics13 and13 philosophy13 of13 science13 We13 have13 faculty13 members13 from13 Physics13 Mathematics13 as13 well13 as13 Philosophy13 Department13 13 13 The13 two13 leading13 approaches13 to13 quantum13 gravity13 are13 both13 represented13 at13 our13 center13 namely13 loop13 quantum13 gravity13 and13 string13 theory13 Loop13 quantum13 gravity13 which13 was13 developed13 mainly13 here13 at13 Penn13 State13 attempts13 to13 quantize13 gravity13 in13 four13 space-shy‐time13 dimensions13 by13 itself13 13 String13 theory13 is13 more13 ambitious13 and13 attempts13 to13 unify13 all13 known13 forces13 of13 nature13 including13 gravity13 in13 a13 quantum13 mechanically13 consistent13 framework13 13 Penn13 State13 is13 the13 only13 US13 institution13 where13 both13 of13 these13 approaches13 are13 being13 developed13 13 13 At13 any13 given13 time13 the13 researchers13 in13 our13 center13 work13 on13 many13 exciting13 and13 interesting13 problems13 Currently13 we13 have13 a13 major13 research13 activity13 on13 loop13 quantum13 cosmology13 which13 was13 initiated13 and13 largely13 developed13 here13 in13 our13 center13 by13 Martin13 Bojowald13 Abhay13 Ashtekar13 and13 their13 coworkers13 13 By13 now13 this13 is13 a13 very13 active13 area13 of13 research13 among13 physicists13 that13 work13 on13 loop13 quantum13 gravity13 worldwide13 13 The13 original13 singularity13 of13 the13 classical13 theory13 of13 general13 relativity13 corresponding13 to13 the13 big13 bang13 gets13 resolved13 due13 to13 quantum13
effects13 and13 the13 big13 bang13 and13 big13 crunch13 singularities13 are13 replaced13 by13 big13 bounces13 in13 some13 of13 the13 loop13 quantum13 cosmology13 models13 13 13 The13 researchers13 in13 this13 field13 are13 currently13 trying13 to13 understand13 the13 physics13 of13 the13 early13 universe13 and13 thereby13 explain13 the13 current13 cosmological13 observations13 such13 as13 the13 large-shy‐scale13 structure13 of13 the13 observed13 universe13 13 13 Another13 current13 major13 research13 area13 in13 the13 center13 is13 the13 work13 on13 scattering13 amplitude13 calculations13 in13 supergravity13 theories13 and13 study13 of13 their13 finiteness13 properties13 13 Supergravity13 theories13 are13 extensions13 of13 Einsteinrsquos13 theory13 of13 general13 relativity13 whose13 quantization13 leads13 to13 additional13 particles13 other13 than13 the13 graviton13 which13 mediates13 the13 gravitational13 force13 13 Through13 a13 remarkable13 tour13 de13 force13 of13 technical13 calculation13 Radu13 Roiban13 and13 his13 co-shy‐workers13 showed13 that13 the13 maximal13 supergravity13 is13 finite13 up13 to13 four13 loops13 in13 perturbative13 quantum13 theory13 13 This13 was13 an13 unexpected13 result13 since13 the13 perturbative13 quantization13 of13 Einsteinrsquos13 general13 relativity13 leads13 to13 incurable13 infinities13 already13 at13 two13 loops13 This13 work13 has13 been13 one13 of13 the13 main13 motivators13 for13 the13 exciting13 and13 important13 developments13 in13 the13 field13 of13 amplitude13 calculations13 in13 supergravity13 and13 supersymmetric13 field13 theories13 in13 recent13 years13 13 13 One13 of13 our13 main13 activities13 is13 to13 organize13 workshops13 on13 recent13 exciting13 developments13 in13 areas13 represented13 in13 our13 Center13 These13 workshops13 have13 been13 very13 successful13 and13 contributed13 to13 the13 visibility13 of13 our13 Center13 greatly13 by13 bringing13 leading13 scientists13 working13 in13 these13 areas13 to13 Penn13 State13 They13 also13 foster13 the13 synergy13 in13 the13 Center13 For13 example13 last13 year13 M13 Bojowald13 M13 Gunaydin13 and13 P13 Xu13 organized13 a13 workshop13 on13 Non-shy‐Associativity13 in13 Physics13 and13 Related13 Mathematical13 Structures13 that13 brought13 together13 physicists13 and13 mathematicians13 including13 a13 field13 medalist13 13 Similarly13 in13 201313 A13 Ashtekar13 G13 Fleming13 and13 E13 Grosholz13 organized13 a13 workshop13 on13 Cosmology13 and13 Time13 that13 brought13 physicists13 and13 philosophers13 together13 We13 also13 initiated13 a13 series13 of13 workshops13 rotating13 between13 Penn13 State13 the13 Albert13 Einstein13 Institute13 in13 Potsdam13 Germany13 Cambridge13 University13 Imperial13 College13 and13 Texas13 AampM13 University13 13 13 13 Murat13 Gunaydin13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 February13 1613 201513
- Agenda
- 15rep-cavener
- Letter to the editor_ Lecture was outstanding _ Letters to the Editor _ CentreDaily
- governance-13
- CPGA-Highlights
- AMON Slides for Dean Cavener
-
- Pages from AMON_Statuspdf
- Pages from AMON_Status-2pdf
- Pages from AMON_Status-3pdf
- AMON MoU Listpdf
-
- ctocshort
- CFT_2015
-
Google PlusMore
LinkedinRedditYouTube
E-mailPrint
Join The ConversationCentre Daily Times is pleased to provide this opportunity to share information experiences and observationsabout whats in the news Some of the comments may be reprinted elsewhere in the site or in thenewspaper We encourage lively open debate on the issues of the day and ask that you refrain fromprofanity hate speech personal comments and remarks that are off point Thank you for taking the time tooffer your thoughts
Commenting FAQs | Terms of Service
Email Newsletters gtManage newsletter subscriptions
Tablets gtApps and services for tablet devices
Mobile gtApps and services for your mobile phone
Social Media gtGet updates via Facebook and Twitter
e-Edition gtYour daily paper delivered to your computer
Home Delivery gtManage your home delivery account
Digital Subscriptions gtManage your online subscriptions
copy 2015 wwwcentredailycom and wire service sources All Rights Reserved httpwwwcentredailycom
Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos Governance Plan
The Pennsylvania State University has established the Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos It builds upon the success of the prior Institute for Gravitational Physics and Geometry The primary mission of the institute is to promote excellence in research by facilitating synergy between various areas it encompasses It will foster collaborative research and activities leading to a deeper understanding of the physical cosmos we inhabit and hopefully to the creation of new recognized disciplines The Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos encompasses three interrelated centers Center for Fundamental Theory (CFT)
Center for Particle and Gravitational Astrophysics (CPGA) Center for Theoretical and Observational Cosmology (CTOC)
With its emphasis on interdisciplinary studies the IGC is more than the sum of these centers It stimulates collaborative research between centers as well as within each center Internal Advisory Board This board advises and provides direction to the institute leadership on all matters relating to its governance and operation The dean of the Eberly College of Science is the Chair of the Internal Advisory Board He is responsible for changes in its membership in consultation with the institute director This board appoints the associate director and the center directors upon recommendation by the institute director The institute director will consult with faculty members before making the recommendation The Internal Advisory Board also approves nominations for new faculty members and renewals of current faculty These nominations are made by the institute members through the institute director and associate director Members of the Internal Advisory Board are appointed to renewable 3 year terms External Advisory Board The dean of the Eberly College of Science also chairs the External Advisory Board He is responsible for changes in its membership in consultation with the institute director The External Advisory Board consults on scientific matters and also on development strategies Its membership would include distinguished scientists in fields representing all of the centers as well as community leaders who are able to provide advice on development strategies Director Working with members the director will create and articulate shared scientific vision for the institute He also has the primary responsibility for the institute administration The director holds a standing position and will undergo reviews as per PSU policies Institute resources are apportioned by the director in consultation with the associate director the center directors and the Internal Advisory Board as needed The director is responsible for an annual report to the Internal Advisory Board summarizing the activities of the institute The annual report will be open to all faculty members Associate Director The associate director participates in all major administrative
decisions The director and associate director are free to divide among themselves the charge of day-to-day governance issues The term of appointment can be up to 3 years and may be renewed by the Internal Advisory Board in consultation with the director Center Directors The center directors are responsible for administering their separate centers They represent their centers acting in consultation with their faculty members as well as the institute director and associate director Each center director provides information on the activities of the center for the annual report by the institute director Appointment durations can be up to 3 years and may be renewed by the Internal Advisory Board in consultation with the institute director Faculty members Penn State faculty members may be appointed to membership in the institute by the Internal Advisory Board upon nomination by the institute director Appointments are made for up to 3 years at a time but may be renewed by the same procedure Each faculty member of the institute will also be a member of at least one of its centers An institute member who is a member of more than one center is expected to identify a primary affiliation with one of them Membership in the institute and its centers normally extends also to research associates postdoctoral scholars and research students who are working with a faculty member on topics within the scope of the institute These members participate in institute activities benefit from institute-sponsored programs and meetings and are listed in the institute directory The institute director and associate director are responsible for maintaining the full list of current members through consultation with the faculty members This document provides governance guidelines for the initial phase of the IGC Since establishment of the IGC is rather special in many respects this document may be revised and updated on an ongoing basis at the discretion of the Internal Advisory Board Approved by the Internal Advisory Board January 30th 2008
Center13 for13 Particle13 and13 Gravitational13 Astrophysics13 13
Highlights13 13
Most13 exciting13 eventsdiscoveries13 from13 CPGA13 13 13 (1) Swift13 201113 ndash13 Discovery13 of13 star13 disruption13 by13 a13 million13 solar13 mass13
black13 hole13 leading13 to13 a13 gamma-shy‐ray13 emitting13 relativistic13 jet13 13 13 (2) IceCube13 2011-shy‐201213 ndash13 Impose13 first13 serious13 constraints13 on13 neutrino13
emission13 and13 cosmic13 ray13 acceleration13 in13 Gamma13 Ray13 Bursts13 13 (3) IceCube13 2013-shy‐201413 ndash13 Discover13 the13 first13 ldquoguaranteed13 astrophysicalrdquo13
origin13 neutrinos13 at13 TeV-shy‐PeV13 energies13 ndash13 source13 unknown13 so13 far13 13 (4) Auger13 measured13 (2008-shy‐2009)13 the13 ldquoGZKrdquo13 cutoff13 in13 the13 highest13 energy13
cosmic13 rays13 ever13 measured13 (1E2013 eV13 fast13 baseball13 10013 kmhr)13 13 (5) Advanced-shy‐LIGO13 Livingston13 site13 operating13 Hanford13 next13 summer13
next13 science13 run13 this13 fall13 13 13 (6) HAWC13 completed13 instrumenting13 full13 tanks13 inaugural13 conference13 in13
March13 will13 observe13 gamma13 rays13 at13 energies13 above13 those13 of13 Fermi13 spacecraft13 13
13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
13 13
Pierre Auger ObservatoryPublic Event Explorer
Page hosted by the Auger group atColorado State University
Imagery copy2013 TerraMetrics Map data copy2013 Google -
The
AM
ON
Idea
13 13 13 13 13 13 Triggering13 observatories13 13 bull Provide13 sub-shy‐threshold13
candidate13 events13 to13 AMON13 in13 real13 me13
The13 AMON13 Idea13
bull Seeks13 coincidences13 in13 me13 and13 space13 bull Generates13 alerts13 -shy‐13 broadcast13 and13 archived13 bull Enables13 archival13 analyses13
bull respond13 to13 AMON13 alerts13
413 AMON13
ν13 ϒ13
gw13 n13
Use13 messenger13 parcles13 of13 all13 four13 fundamental13 forces13
x13 UV13 opcal13 13
ϒ13
AMON13
Follow-shy‐up13 observatories13 13
The
AM
ON
Idea
13
513 AMON13
The13 AMON13 Idea13
Future13
Status13 quo13
Many13 bilateral13 agreements13 among13 various13 observatories13 and13 cross-shy‐collaborave13 analyses13 13 No13 unified13 mullateral13 agreement13 and13 unified13 13 analyses13 of13 mulmessenger13 data13 13 Mostly13 unidireconal13 13 13
AMON13 serves13 as13 a13 central13 hub13 for13 collecng13 data13 from13 various13 mulmessenger13 facilies13 13 Performs13 unified13 analyses13 on13 mulmessenger13 data13 13 13 Gain13 in13 effecve13 aggregate13 sensivity13 13 Simplified13 protocols13 of13 cross-shy‐collaborave13 analyses13
AM
ON
Netw
ork13
613 14-shy‐12-shy‐1013 AMON13
13 13 13 13 13 613 Memoranda13 of13 Understandings13 (MoUs)13 signed13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 113 MoU13 in13 review13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 213 more13 leYer13 of13 collaboraon13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 many13 more13 in13 the13 future13 13
Triggering13 13 IceCube13 ANTARES13 Auger13 HAWC13 VERITAS13 SwiG13 BAThellip13 13 13 13
Follow-shy‐up13 13 SwiG13 XRT13 ampUVOT13 VERITAS13 13
hYpamongravitypsuedu13 13
AstropPhys13 Vol13 4513 56ndash7013 201313 13
Overview for the Center for Theoretical and Observational Cosmology
The study of the large-scale properties and evolution of the cosmos is one of the mostintellectually challenging and exciting scientific endeavors of the early 21st century Thisfield of research addresses the most fundamental questions that can be posed and is one ofgreat public interest Scientists at the Center for Theoretical and Observational Cosmologyare engaged in a wide variety of activities frequently holding scientific leadership positionsin large international collaborations that are probing the basic properties of the universeThe Centerrsquos research efforts are concentrated in Wide-Area Cosmological Surveys theHigh-Energy Universe and Theoretical Investigations of the conditions in the extremelyearly universe and the formation and evolution of large structures throughout cosmic time
Wide-Area Cosmological Surveys
The foundation of these recent advances are the wide-area (covering a significant frac-tion of the sky) high-quality surveys that have been undertaken in the past two decadesThe most prominent of these projects is the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) The SDSSobservations of galaxies and quasars allowed the construction of detailed maps of the dis-tribution of matter in the universe the structures that are detected are some of the mostimportant constraints on theoretical models of the properties and evolution of the universe
During SDSSrsquos first decade Penn State scientists were in charge of the quasar scienceof the survey On several occasions during this period the SDSS quasar team identified themost distant known object in the universe and discovered (after astronomers had searchedfor nearly 40 years) the era when the intergalactic medium transitioned from a neutral toan ionized state Penn State has joined the fourth phase (which started on 1 July 2014)as an institutional member Drs Niel Brandt and Michael Eracleous (observational) andSarah Shandera and Donghui Jeong (theoretical) are actively engaged in SDSS-IV
Penn State is playing an important part in another large cosmological survey theHobby-Eberly Telescope Dark Energy Experiment (HETDEX) which should begin obser-vations in late 2015 The goal of this multi-year project is to identify approximately onemillion galaxies in the era when the universe was only a quarter of its current linear sizerevealing information about the rate of expansion of the universe at that time and providea key constraint on cosmological models In preparation for this ambitious project theHETDEX Pilot Survey was undertaken using one of the smaller telescopes at McDon-ald Observatory Drs Robin Ciardullo Caryl Gronwall and Jeong are now analyzingand publishing of the Pilot Survey results which are revealing the physical conditions ingalaxies billions of years in the past
Every ten years the US Astronomical Community produces a report that lists thehighest priorities for the next decade the top-ranked project for ground-based astronomyin the most recent document was the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) The LSSTwill be able to obtain images of approximately 50 of the sky every few nights providinginsights on issues ranging from our cosmic neighborhood (identifying and tracking ldquokillerasteroidsrdquo) to the most distant reaches of the universe (properties of Dark Energy) PennState has been an institutional member of this large international project since 2005 andhas been an active participant of the governance and science planning Dr Brandt is incharge of developing the plan for LSSTrsquoS deepest observations
The High-Energy Universe
High-energy astrophysics (X-rays and γ-rays) has long been one of Penn Statersquosstrengths The two signature projects are the design and construction of the primaryinstrument for the Chandra spacecraft one of NASArsquos ldquoGreat Observatoriesrdquo and PennStatersquos major role in NASArsquos Swift satellite which studies γ-ray bursts (GRBs) In ad-dition Dr Brandt is heavily involved in the NuSTAR (Nuclear Spectroscopic TelescopeArray) satellite program which began taking observations in 2012
Chandra launched in 1999 has provided our sharpest and deepest view of the X-rayuniverse Dr Brandt has led a series of studies that have revealed the characteristics ofhigh-energy emission from the first supermassive black holes to form in the universe HisldquoSix Megasecondrdquo image of a small piece of sky created with an exposure time of nearly70 days has revealed hundreds of faint X-ray sources The faintest objects are such thatthe X-ray instrument detects one photon from the source every two weeks
Penn State developed two of the three instruments on the Swift satellite and runsSwiftrsquos Mission Operations Center Center scientists Drs Peter Meszaros and Derek Foxhave made major contributions to this project Swift scans the sky for GRBs which arebrief flashes (timescale of a second) of extremely high-energy photons Within minutes ofdetecting a GRB Swift automatically points the onboard X-ray and optical telescopes to-wards the estimated direction of the event and immediately transmits an accurate positionof the event to observers around the world Despite the planned three-year operationallifetime after its 2004 launch NASA has repeatedly extended the mission because of therevolutionary scientific returns that Swift continues to produce
Swift discoveries include 1) the first precise locations of ldquoshortrdquo (less than a secondduration) GRBs providing solid support for the proposal that these GRBs are producedby mergers of two neutron stars 2) the first detection of the X-rays shock break-out from asupernova 3) the detection of long faint GRB which ground-based observations revealedto be the most distant known stellar object at a redshift of 93 4) the first observationsof a relativistic jet produced by the tidal disruption of star by a massive black hole5) discovering a GRB located at a distance of several billion light-years that was sobright it was visible to the naked eye for several seconds and 6) detection of a burst thatproduced for a few seconds an amount of electromagnetic energy that was comparable tothat of the entire rest of the universe
NuSTAR which is providing a view of the universe in the high X-ray regime is now inits third year of operations Dr Brandtrsquos group has led a number of studies based on thenew data that have provided insights into the properties and environments of supermassiveblack holes located in the centers of galaxies
Theoretical Cosmology at the Center
Dr Shanderarsquos research concentrates on the first moments of the universersquos existencein particular the period when the universe is thought to have undergone an incredibly rapidphase of expansion (the ldquoinflationrdquo theory) that occurred approximately 10minus35 s after theBig Bang Dr Shanderarsquos primary goals are to understand the nature of quantum fields inthis era and to identify observational signals that can test whether this inflationary phasedid indeed exist
Dr Lirsquos group has developed sophisticated computer codes incorporating detailedphysical processes and the large-scale evolution of structure in the universe to addresssome of the most pressing questions in cosmology ranging from the appearance of the firstsupermassive black holes in the universe to the formation of our own galaxy the MilkyWay
Dr Jeong is extensively involved in large-scale surveys (see above) but also is inves-tigating questions such as the applicability of Einsteinrsquos Theory of General Relativity overthe largest spans of distance and time in the universe and the nature of Dark Energy
The Annual Neighborhood Cosmology Conference
During the spring semesters in 2013 and 2014 the Center hosted a ldquoNeighborhoodCosmology Conferencerdquo that was attended by scientists from a number of local institutionsThis two-day affair brings together approximately 90 astronomers and physicists to discussthe latest developments in cosmology The vast majority of the attendees are students(undergraduate and graduate) and postdocs Institutions that have participated includeJohns Hopkins the University of Pennsylvania the University of Pittsburgh RutgersUniversity Carnegie Mellon University Case Western Reserve University and CornellUniversity In addition to the productive science exchanges the conference is a usefulrecruiting tool for the Physics and the Astronomy Departments
Special recognition is due to Dr Shandera and Ms Randi Neshteruk for their superborganizational efforts for the conferences
Conclusion
Center scientists have been at the forefront of cosmological research for more than adecade and their leadership roles in a number of major current and near-future projectspromises to maintain Penn Statersquos high profile in this exciting and important field Anindication of the Centerrsquos scientific impact is that since the Centerrsquos creation in mid-2011Center scientists have published 208 peer-reviewed papers these works have garnered 6570citations We expect that this rate of productivity will increase due to the addition of recentfaculty hires and as results are produced by the major new projects (NuStar SDSS-IVHETDEX) The Physics and the Astronomy Departments were both highly-ranked by the2010 National Research Councilrsquos review and the high-profile activity of the Center willplay an important role in maintaining and bolstering this reputation
13 13 13 13 13 13 The13 primary13 goal13 of13 our13 center13 is13 to13 foster13 research13 and13 education13 in13 some13 fundamental13 areas13 at13 the13 forefront13 of13 theoretical13 and13 mathematical13 physics13 These13 areas13 include13 theories13 that13 attempt13 to13 unify13 Einsteins13 theory13 of13 gravity13 and13 quantum13 mechanics13 general13 relativity13 and13 supergravity13 cosmology13 non-shy‐commutative13 geometry13 and13 related13 areas13 of13 mathematics13 and13 philosophy13 of13 science13 We13 have13 faculty13 members13 from13 Physics13 Mathematics13 as13 well13 as13 Philosophy13 Department13 13 13 The13 two13 leading13 approaches13 to13 quantum13 gravity13 are13 both13 represented13 at13 our13 center13 namely13 loop13 quantum13 gravity13 and13 string13 theory13 Loop13 quantum13 gravity13 which13 was13 developed13 mainly13 here13 at13 Penn13 State13 attempts13 to13 quantize13 gravity13 in13 four13 space-shy‐time13 dimensions13 by13 itself13 13 String13 theory13 is13 more13 ambitious13 and13 attempts13 to13 unify13 all13 known13 forces13 of13 nature13 including13 gravity13 in13 a13 quantum13 mechanically13 consistent13 framework13 13 Penn13 State13 is13 the13 only13 US13 institution13 where13 both13 of13 these13 approaches13 are13 being13 developed13 13 13 At13 any13 given13 time13 the13 researchers13 in13 our13 center13 work13 on13 many13 exciting13 and13 interesting13 problems13 Currently13 we13 have13 a13 major13 research13 activity13 on13 loop13 quantum13 cosmology13 which13 was13 initiated13 and13 largely13 developed13 here13 in13 our13 center13 by13 Martin13 Bojowald13 Abhay13 Ashtekar13 and13 their13 coworkers13 13 By13 now13 this13 is13 a13 very13 active13 area13 of13 research13 among13 physicists13 that13 work13 on13 loop13 quantum13 gravity13 worldwide13 13 The13 original13 singularity13 of13 the13 classical13 theory13 of13 general13 relativity13 corresponding13 to13 the13 big13 bang13 gets13 resolved13 due13 to13 quantum13
effects13 and13 the13 big13 bang13 and13 big13 crunch13 singularities13 are13 replaced13 by13 big13 bounces13 in13 some13 of13 the13 loop13 quantum13 cosmology13 models13 13 13 The13 researchers13 in13 this13 field13 are13 currently13 trying13 to13 understand13 the13 physics13 of13 the13 early13 universe13 and13 thereby13 explain13 the13 current13 cosmological13 observations13 such13 as13 the13 large-shy‐scale13 structure13 of13 the13 observed13 universe13 13 13 Another13 current13 major13 research13 area13 in13 the13 center13 is13 the13 work13 on13 scattering13 amplitude13 calculations13 in13 supergravity13 theories13 and13 study13 of13 their13 finiteness13 properties13 13 Supergravity13 theories13 are13 extensions13 of13 Einsteinrsquos13 theory13 of13 general13 relativity13 whose13 quantization13 leads13 to13 additional13 particles13 other13 than13 the13 graviton13 which13 mediates13 the13 gravitational13 force13 13 Through13 a13 remarkable13 tour13 de13 force13 of13 technical13 calculation13 Radu13 Roiban13 and13 his13 co-shy‐workers13 showed13 that13 the13 maximal13 supergravity13 is13 finite13 up13 to13 four13 loops13 in13 perturbative13 quantum13 theory13 13 This13 was13 an13 unexpected13 result13 since13 the13 perturbative13 quantization13 of13 Einsteinrsquos13 general13 relativity13 leads13 to13 incurable13 infinities13 already13 at13 two13 loops13 This13 work13 has13 been13 one13 of13 the13 main13 motivators13 for13 the13 exciting13 and13 important13 developments13 in13 the13 field13 of13 amplitude13 calculations13 in13 supergravity13 and13 supersymmetric13 field13 theories13 in13 recent13 years13 13 13 One13 of13 our13 main13 activities13 is13 to13 organize13 workshops13 on13 recent13 exciting13 developments13 in13 areas13 represented13 in13 our13 Center13 These13 workshops13 have13 been13 very13 successful13 and13 contributed13 to13 the13 visibility13 of13 our13 Center13 greatly13 by13 bringing13 leading13 scientists13 working13 in13 these13 areas13 to13 Penn13 State13 They13 also13 foster13 the13 synergy13 in13 the13 Center13 For13 example13 last13 year13 M13 Bojowald13 M13 Gunaydin13 and13 P13 Xu13 organized13 a13 workshop13 on13 Non-shy‐Associativity13 in13 Physics13 and13 Related13 Mathematical13 Structures13 that13 brought13 together13 physicists13 and13 mathematicians13 including13 a13 field13 medalist13 13 Similarly13 in13 201313 A13 Ashtekar13 G13 Fleming13 and13 E13 Grosholz13 organized13 a13 workshop13 on13 Cosmology13 and13 Time13 that13 brought13 physicists13 and13 philosophers13 together13 We13 also13 initiated13 a13 series13 of13 workshops13 rotating13 between13 Penn13 State13 the13 Albert13 Einstein13 Institute13 in13 Potsdam13 Germany13 Cambridge13 University13 Imperial13 College13 and13 Texas13 AampM13 University13 13 13 13 Murat13 Gunaydin13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 February13 1613 201513
- Agenda
- 15rep-cavener
- Letter to the editor_ Lecture was outstanding _ Letters to the Editor _ CentreDaily
- governance-13
- CPGA-Highlights
- AMON Slides for Dean Cavener
-
- Pages from AMON_Statuspdf
- Pages from AMON_Status-2pdf
- Pages from AMON_Status-3pdf
- AMON MoU Listpdf
-
- ctocshort
- CFT_2015
-
Digital Subscriptions gtManage your online subscriptions
copy 2015 wwwcentredailycom and wire service sources All Rights Reserved httpwwwcentredailycom
Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos Governance Plan
The Pennsylvania State University has established the Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos It builds upon the success of the prior Institute for Gravitational Physics and Geometry The primary mission of the institute is to promote excellence in research by facilitating synergy between various areas it encompasses It will foster collaborative research and activities leading to a deeper understanding of the physical cosmos we inhabit and hopefully to the creation of new recognized disciplines The Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos encompasses three interrelated centers Center for Fundamental Theory (CFT)
Center for Particle and Gravitational Astrophysics (CPGA) Center for Theoretical and Observational Cosmology (CTOC)
With its emphasis on interdisciplinary studies the IGC is more than the sum of these centers It stimulates collaborative research between centers as well as within each center Internal Advisory Board This board advises and provides direction to the institute leadership on all matters relating to its governance and operation The dean of the Eberly College of Science is the Chair of the Internal Advisory Board He is responsible for changes in its membership in consultation with the institute director This board appoints the associate director and the center directors upon recommendation by the institute director The institute director will consult with faculty members before making the recommendation The Internal Advisory Board also approves nominations for new faculty members and renewals of current faculty These nominations are made by the institute members through the institute director and associate director Members of the Internal Advisory Board are appointed to renewable 3 year terms External Advisory Board The dean of the Eberly College of Science also chairs the External Advisory Board He is responsible for changes in its membership in consultation with the institute director The External Advisory Board consults on scientific matters and also on development strategies Its membership would include distinguished scientists in fields representing all of the centers as well as community leaders who are able to provide advice on development strategies Director Working with members the director will create and articulate shared scientific vision for the institute He also has the primary responsibility for the institute administration The director holds a standing position and will undergo reviews as per PSU policies Institute resources are apportioned by the director in consultation with the associate director the center directors and the Internal Advisory Board as needed The director is responsible for an annual report to the Internal Advisory Board summarizing the activities of the institute The annual report will be open to all faculty members Associate Director The associate director participates in all major administrative
decisions The director and associate director are free to divide among themselves the charge of day-to-day governance issues The term of appointment can be up to 3 years and may be renewed by the Internal Advisory Board in consultation with the director Center Directors The center directors are responsible for administering their separate centers They represent their centers acting in consultation with their faculty members as well as the institute director and associate director Each center director provides information on the activities of the center for the annual report by the institute director Appointment durations can be up to 3 years and may be renewed by the Internal Advisory Board in consultation with the institute director Faculty members Penn State faculty members may be appointed to membership in the institute by the Internal Advisory Board upon nomination by the institute director Appointments are made for up to 3 years at a time but may be renewed by the same procedure Each faculty member of the institute will also be a member of at least one of its centers An institute member who is a member of more than one center is expected to identify a primary affiliation with one of them Membership in the institute and its centers normally extends also to research associates postdoctoral scholars and research students who are working with a faculty member on topics within the scope of the institute These members participate in institute activities benefit from institute-sponsored programs and meetings and are listed in the institute directory The institute director and associate director are responsible for maintaining the full list of current members through consultation with the faculty members This document provides governance guidelines for the initial phase of the IGC Since establishment of the IGC is rather special in many respects this document may be revised and updated on an ongoing basis at the discretion of the Internal Advisory Board Approved by the Internal Advisory Board January 30th 2008
Center13 for13 Particle13 and13 Gravitational13 Astrophysics13 13
Highlights13 13
Most13 exciting13 eventsdiscoveries13 from13 CPGA13 13 13 (1) Swift13 201113 ndash13 Discovery13 of13 star13 disruption13 by13 a13 million13 solar13 mass13
black13 hole13 leading13 to13 a13 gamma-shy‐ray13 emitting13 relativistic13 jet13 13 13 (2) IceCube13 2011-shy‐201213 ndash13 Impose13 first13 serious13 constraints13 on13 neutrino13
emission13 and13 cosmic13 ray13 acceleration13 in13 Gamma13 Ray13 Bursts13 13 (3) IceCube13 2013-shy‐201413 ndash13 Discover13 the13 first13 ldquoguaranteed13 astrophysicalrdquo13
origin13 neutrinos13 at13 TeV-shy‐PeV13 energies13 ndash13 source13 unknown13 so13 far13 13 (4) Auger13 measured13 (2008-shy‐2009)13 the13 ldquoGZKrdquo13 cutoff13 in13 the13 highest13 energy13
cosmic13 rays13 ever13 measured13 (1E2013 eV13 fast13 baseball13 10013 kmhr)13 13 (5) Advanced-shy‐LIGO13 Livingston13 site13 operating13 Hanford13 next13 summer13
next13 science13 run13 this13 fall13 13 13 (6) HAWC13 completed13 instrumenting13 full13 tanks13 inaugural13 conference13 in13
March13 will13 observe13 gamma13 rays13 at13 energies13 above13 those13 of13 Fermi13 spacecraft13 13
13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
13 13
Pierre Auger ObservatoryPublic Event Explorer
Page hosted by the Auger group atColorado State University
Imagery copy2013 TerraMetrics Map data copy2013 Google -
The
AM
ON
Idea
13 13 13 13 13 13 Triggering13 observatories13 13 bull Provide13 sub-shy‐threshold13
candidate13 events13 to13 AMON13 in13 real13 me13
The13 AMON13 Idea13
bull Seeks13 coincidences13 in13 me13 and13 space13 bull Generates13 alerts13 -shy‐13 broadcast13 and13 archived13 bull Enables13 archival13 analyses13
bull respond13 to13 AMON13 alerts13
413 AMON13
ν13 ϒ13
gw13 n13
Use13 messenger13 parcles13 of13 all13 four13 fundamental13 forces13
x13 UV13 opcal13 13
ϒ13
AMON13
Follow-shy‐up13 observatories13 13
The
AM
ON
Idea
13
513 AMON13
The13 AMON13 Idea13
Future13
Status13 quo13
Many13 bilateral13 agreements13 among13 various13 observatories13 and13 cross-shy‐collaborave13 analyses13 13 No13 unified13 mullateral13 agreement13 and13 unified13 13 analyses13 of13 mulmessenger13 data13 13 Mostly13 unidireconal13 13 13
AMON13 serves13 as13 a13 central13 hub13 for13 collecng13 data13 from13 various13 mulmessenger13 facilies13 13 Performs13 unified13 analyses13 on13 mulmessenger13 data13 13 13 Gain13 in13 effecve13 aggregate13 sensivity13 13 Simplified13 protocols13 of13 cross-shy‐collaborave13 analyses13
AM
ON
Netw
ork13
613 14-shy‐12-shy‐1013 AMON13
13 13 13 13 13 613 Memoranda13 of13 Understandings13 (MoUs)13 signed13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 113 MoU13 in13 review13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 213 more13 leYer13 of13 collaboraon13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 many13 more13 in13 the13 future13 13
Triggering13 13 IceCube13 ANTARES13 Auger13 HAWC13 VERITAS13 SwiG13 BAThellip13 13 13 13
Follow-shy‐up13 13 SwiG13 XRT13 ampUVOT13 VERITAS13 13
hYpamongravitypsuedu13 13
AstropPhys13 Vol13 4513 56ndash7013 201313 13
Overview for the Center for Theoretical and Observational Cosmology
The study of the large-scale properties and evolution of the cosmos is one of the mostintellectually challenging and exciting scientific endeavors of the early 21st century Thisfield of research addresses the most fundamental questions that can be posed and is one ofgreat public interest Scientists at the Center for Theoretical and Observational Cosmologyare engaged in a wide variety of activities frequently holding scientific leadership positionsin large international collaborations that are probing the basic properties of the universeThe Centerrsquos research efforts are concentrated in Wide-Area Cosmological Surveys theHigh-Energy Universe and Theoretical Investigations of the conditions in the extremelyearly universe and the formation and evolution of large structures throughout cosmic time
Wide-Area Cosmological Surveys
The foundation of these recent advances are the wide-area (covering a significant frac-tion of the sky) high-quality surveys that have been undertaken in the past two decadesThe most prominent of these projects is the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) The SDSSobservations of galaxies and quasars allowed the construction of detailed maps of the dis-tribution of matter in the universe the structures that are detected are some of the mostimportant constraints on theoretical models of the properties and evolution of the universe
During SDSSrsquos first decade Penn State scientists were in charge of the quasar scienceof the survey On several occasions during this period the SDSS quasar team identified themost distant known object in the universe and discovered (after astronomers had searchedfor nearly 40 years) the era when the intergalactic medium transitioned from a neutral toan ionized state Penn State has joined the fourth phase (which started on 1 July 2014)as an institutional member Drs Niel Brandt and Michael Eracleous (observational) andSarah Shandera and Donghui Jeong (theoretical) are actively engaged in SDSS-IV
Penn State is playing an important part in another large cosmological survey theHobby-Eberly Telescope Dark Energy Experiment (HETDEX) which should begin obser-vations in late 2015 The goal of this multi-year project is to identify approximately onemillion galaxies in the era when the universe was only a quarter of its current linear sizerevealing information about the rate of expansion of the universe at that time and providea key constraint on cosmological models In preparation for this ambitious project theHETDEX Pilot Survey was undertaken using one of the smaller telescopes at McDon-ald Observatory Drs Robin Ciardullo Caryl Gronwall and Jeong are now analyzingand publishing of the Pilot Survey results which are revealing the physical conditions ingalaxies billions of years in the past
Every ten years the US Astronomical Community produces a report that lists thehighest priorities for the next decade the top-ranked project for ground-based astronomyin the most recent document was the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) The LSSTwill be able to obtain images of approximately 50 of the sky every few nights providinginsights on issues ranging from our cosmic neighborhood (identifying and tracking ldquokillerasteroidsrdquo) to the most distant reaches of the universe (properties of Dark Energy) PennState has been an institutional member of this large international project since 2005 andhas been an active participant of the governance and science planning Dr Brandt is incharge of developing the plan for LSSTrsquoS deepest observations
The High-Energy Universe
High-energy astrophysics (X-rays and γ-rays) has long been one of Penn Statersquosstrengths The two signature projects are the design and construction of the primaryinstrument for the Chandra spacecraft one of NASArsquos ldquoGreat Observatoriesrdquo and PennStatersquos major role in NASArsquos Swift satellite which studies γ-ray bursts (GRBs) In ad-dition Dr Brandt is heavily involved in the NuSTAR (Nuclear Spectroscopic TelescopeArray) satellite program which began taking observations in 2012
Chandra launched in 1999 has provided our sharpest and deepest view of the X-rayuniverse Dr Brandt has led a series of studies that have revealed the characteristics ofhigh-energy emission from the first supermassive black holes to form in the universe HisldquoSix Megasecondrdquo image of a small piece of sky created with an exposure time of nearly70 days has revealed hundreds of faint X-ray sources The faintest objects are such thatthe X-ray instrument detects one photon from the source every two weeks
Penn State developed two of the three instruments on the Swift satellite and runsSwiftrsquos Mission Operations Center Center scientists Drs Peter Meszaros and Derek Foxhave made major contributions to this project Swift scans the sky for GRBs which arebrief flashes (timescale of a second) of extremely high-energy photons Within minutes ofdetecting a GRB Swift automatically points the onboard X-ray and optical telescopes to-wards the estimated direction of the event and immediately transmits an accurate positionof the event to observers around the world Despite the planned three-year operationallifetime after its 2004 launch NASA has repeatedly extended the mission because of therevolutionary scientific returns that Swift continues to produce
Swift discoveries include 1) the first precise locations of ldquoshortrdquo (less than a secondduration) GRBs providing solid support for the proposal that these GRBs are producedby mergers of two neutron stars 2) the first detection of the X-rays shock break-out from asupernova 3) the detection of long faint GRB which ground-based observations revealedto be the most distant known stellar object at a redshift of 93 4) the first observationsof a relativistic jet produced by the tidal disruption of star by a massive black hole5) discovering a GRB located at a distance of several billion light-years that was sobright it was visible to the naked eye for several seconds and 6) detection of a burst thatproduced for a few seconds an amount of electromagnetic energy that was comparable tothat of the entire rest of the universe
NuSTAR which is providing a view of the universe in the high X-ray regime is now inits third year of operations Dr Brandtrsquos group has led a number of studies based on thenew data that have provided insights into the properties and environments of supermassiveblack holes located in the centers of galaxies
Theoretical Cosmology at the Center
Dr Shanderarsquos research concentrates on the first moments of the universersquos existencein particular the period when the universe is thought to have undergone an incredibly rapidphase of expansion (the ldquoinflationrdquo theory) that occurred approximately 10minus35 s after theBig Bang Dr Shanderarsquos primary goals are to understand the nature of quantum fields inthis era and to identify observational signals that can test whether this inflationary phasedid indeed exist
Dr Lirsquos group has developed sophisticated computer codes incorporating detailedphysical processes and the large-scale evolution of structure in the universe to addresssome of the most pressing questions in cosmology ranging from the appearance of the firstsupermassive black holes in the universe to the formation of our own galaxy the MilkyWay
Dr Jeong is extensively involved in large-scale surveys (see above) but also is inves-tigating questions such as the applicability of Einsteinrsquos Theory of General Relativity overthe largest spans of distance and time in the universe and the nature of Dark Energy
The Annual Neighborhood Cosmology Conference
During the spring semesters in 2013 and 2014 the Center hosted a ldquoNeighborhoodCosmology Conferencerdquo that was attended by scientists from a number of local institutionsThis two-day affair brings together approximately 90 astronomers and physicists to discussthe latest developments in cosmology The vast majority of the attendees are students(undergraduate and graduate) and postdocs Institutions that have participated includeJohns Hopkins the University of Pennsylvania the University of Pittsburgh RutgersUniversity Carnegie Mellon University Case Western Reserve University and CornellUniversity In addition to the productive science exchanges the conference is a usefulrecruiting tool for the Physics and the Astronomy Departments
Special recognition is due to Dr Shandera and Ms Randi Neshteruk for their superborganizational efforts for the conferences
Conclusion
Center scientists have been at the forefront of cosmological research for more than adecade and their leadership roles in a number of major current and near-future projectspromises to maintain Penn Statersquos high profile in this exciting and important field Anindication of the Centerrsquos scientific impact is that since the Centerrsquos creation in mid-2011Center scientists have published 208 peer-reviewed papers these works have garnered 6570citations We expect that this rate of productivity will increase due to the addition of recentfaculty hires and as results are produced by the major new projects (NuStar SDSS-IVHETDEX) The Physics and the Astronomy Departments were both highly-ranked by the2010 National Research Councilrsquos review and the high-profile activity of the Center willplay an important role in maintaining and bolstering this reputation
13 13 13 13 13 13 The13 primary13 goal13 of13 our13 center13 is13 to13 foster13 research13 and13 education13 in13 some13 fundamental13 areas13 at13 the13 forefront13 of13 theoretical13 and13 mathematical13 physics13 These13 areas13 include13 theories13 that13 attempt13 to13 unify13 Einsteins13 theory13 of13 gravity13 and13 quantum13 mechanics13 general13 relativity13 and13 supergravity13 cosmology13 non-shy‐commutative13 geometry13 and13 related13 areas13 of13 mathematics13 and13 philosophy13 of13 science13 We13 have13 faculty13 members13 from13 Physics13 Mathematics13 as13 well13 as13 Philosophy13 Department13 13 13 The13 two13 leading13 approaches13 to13 quantum13 gravity13 are13 both13 represented13 at13 our13 center13 namely13 loop13 quantum13 gravity13 and13 string13 theory13 Loop13 quantum13 gravity13 which13 was13 developed13 mainly13 here13 at13 Penn13 State13 attempts13 to13 quantize13 gravity13 in13 four13 space-shy‐time13 dimensions13 by13 itself13 13 String13 theory13 is13 more13 ambitious13 and13 attempts13 to13 unify13 all13 known13 forces13 of13 nature13 including13 gravity13 in13 a13 quantum13 mechanically13 consistent13 framework13 13 Penn13 State13 is13 the13 only13 US13 institution13 where13 both13 of13 these13 approaches13 are13 being13 developed13 13 13 At13 any13 given13 time13 the13 researchers13 in13 our13 center13 work13 on13 many13 exciting13 and13 interesting13 problems13 Currently13 we13 have13 a13 major13 research13 activity13 on13 loop13 quantum13 cosmology13 which13 was13 initiated13 and13 largely13 developed13 here13 in13 our13 center13 by13 Martin13 Bojowald13 Abhay13 Ashtekar13 and13 their13 coworkers13 13 By13 now13 this13 is13 a13 very13 active13 area13 of13 research13 among13 physicists13 that13 work13 on13 loop13 quantum13 gravity13 worldwide13 13 The13 original13 singularity13 of13 the13 classical13 theory13 of13 general13 relativity13 corresponding13 to13 the13 big13 bang13 gets13 resolved13 due13 to13 quantum13
effects13 and13 the13 big13 bang13 and13 big13 crunch13 singularities13 are13 replaced13 by13 big13 bounces13 in13 some13 of13 the13 loop13 quantum13 cosmology13 models13 13 13 The13 researchers13 in13 this13 field13 are13 currently13 trying13 to13 understand13 the13 physics13 of13 the13 early13 universe13 and13 thereby13 explain13 the13 current13 cosmological13 observations13 such13 as13 the13 large-shy‐scale13 structure13 of13 the13 observed13 universe13 13 13 Another13 current13 major13 research13 area13 in13 the13 center13 is13 the13 work13 on13 scattering13 amplitude13 calculations13 in13 supergravity13 theories13 and13 study13 of13 their13 finiteness13 properties13 13 Supergravity13 theories13 are13 extensions13 of13 Einsteinrsquos13 theory13 of13 general13 relativity13 whose13 quantization13 leads13 to13 additional13 particles13 other13 than13 the13 graviton13 which13 mediates13 the13 gravitational13 force13 13 Through13 a13 remarkable13 tour13 de13 force13 of13 technical13 calculation13 Radu13 Roiban13 and13 his13 co-shy‐workers13 showed13 that13 the13 maximal13 supergravity13 is13 finite13 up13 to13 four13 loops13 in13 perturbative13 quantum13 theory13 13 This13 was13 an13 unexpected13 result13 since13 the13 perturbative13 quantization13 of13 Einsteinrsquos13 general13 relativity13 leads13 to13 incurable13 infinities13 already13 at13 two13 loops13 This13 work13 has13 been13 one13 of13 the13 main13 motivators13 for13 the13 exciting13 and13 important13 developments13 in13 the13 field13 of13 amplitude13 calculations13 in13 supergravity13 and13 supersymmetric13 field13 theories13 in13 recent13 years13 13 13 One13 of13 our13 main13 activities13 is13 to13 organize13 workshops13 on13 recent13 exciting13 developments13 in13 areas13 represented13 in13 our13 Center13 These13 workshops13 have13 been13 very13 successful13 and13 contributed13 to13 the13 visibility13 of13 our13 Center13 greatly13 by13 bringing13 leading13 scientists13 working13 in13 these13 areas13 to13 Penn13 State13 They13 also13 foster13 the13 synergy13 in13 the13 Center13 For13 example13 last13 year13 M13 Bojowald13 M13 Gunaydin13 and13 P13 Xu13 organized13 a13 workshop13 on13 Non-shy‐Associativity13 in13 Physics13 and13 Related13 Mathematical13 Structures13 that13 brought13 together13 physicists13 and13 mathematicians13 including13 a13 field13 medalist13 13 Similarly13 in13 201313 A13 Ashtekar13 G13 Fleming13 and13 E13 Grosholz13 organized13 a13 workshop13 on13 Cosmology13 and13 Time13 that13 brought13 physicists13 and13 philosophers13 together13 We13 also13 initiated13 a13 series13 of13 workshops13 rotating13 between13 Penn13 State13 the13 Albert13 Einstein13 Institute13 in13 Potsdam13 Germany13 Cambridge13 University13 Imperial13 College13 and13 Texas13 AampM13 University13 13 13 13 Murat13 Gunaydin13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 February13 1613 201513
- Agenda
- 15rep-cavener
- Letter to the editor_ Lecture was outstanding _ Letters to the Editor _ CentreDaily
- governance-13
- CPGA-Highlights
- AMON Slides for Dean Cavener
-
- Pages from AMON_Statuspdf
- Pages from AMON_Status-2pdf
- Pages from AMON_Status-3pdf
- AMON MoU Listpdf
-
- ctocshort
- CFT_2015
-
Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos Governance Plan
The Pennsylvania State University has established the Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos It builds upon the success of the prior Institute for Gravitational Physics and Geometry The primary mission of the institute is to promote excellence in research by facilitating synergy between various areas it encompasses It will foster collaborative research and activities leading to a deeper understanding of the physical cosmos we inhabit and hopefully to the creation of new recognized disciplines The Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos encompasses three interrelated centers Center for Fundamental Theory (CFT)
Center for Particle and Gravitational Astrophysics (CPGA) Center for Theoretical and Observational Cosmology (CTOC)
With its emphasis on interdisciplinary studies the IGC is more than the sum of these centers It stimulates collaborative research between centers as well as within each center Internal Advisory Board This board advises and provides direction to the institute leadership on all matters relating to its governance and operation The dean of the Eberly College of Science is the Chair of the Internal Advisory Board He is responsible for changes in its membership in consultation with the institute director This board appoints the associate director and the center directors upon recommendation by the institute director The institute director will consult with faculty members before making the recommendation The Internal Advisory Board also approves nominations for new faculty members and renewals of current faculty These nominations are made by the institute members through the institute director and associate director Members of the Internal Advisory Board are appointed to renewable 3 year terms External Advisory Board The dean of the Eberly College of Science also chairs the External Advisory Board He is responsible for changes in its membership in consultation with the institute director The External Advisory Board consults on scientific matters and also on development strategies Its membership would include distinguished scientists in fields representing all of the centers as well as community leaders who are able to provide advice on development strategies Director Working with members the director will create and articulate shared scientific vision for the institute He also has the primary responsibility for the institute administration The director holds a standing position and will undergo reviews as per PSU policies Institute resources are apportioned by the director in consultation with the associate director the center directors and the Internal Advisory Board as needed The director is responsible for an annual report to the Internal Advisory Board summarizing the activities of the institute The annual report will be open to all faculty members Associate Director The associate director participates in all major administrative
decisions The director and associate director are free to divide among themselves the charge of day-to-day governance issues The term of appointment can be up to 3 years and may be renewed by the Internal Advisory Board in consultation with the director Center Directors The center directors are responsible for administering their separate centers They represent their centers acting in consultation with their faculty members as well as the institute director and associate director Each center director provides information on the activities of the center for the annual report by the institute director Appointment durations can be up to 3 years and may be renewed by the Internal Advisory Board in consultation with the institute director Faculty members Penn State faculty members may be appointed to membership in the institute by the Internal Advisory Board upon nomination by the institute director Appointments are made for up to 3 years at a time but may be renewed by the same procedure Each faculty member of the institute will also be a member of at least one of its centers An institute member who is a member of more than one center is expected to identify a primary affiliation with one of them Membership in the institute and its centers normally extends also to research associates postdoctoral scholars and research students who are working with a faculty member on topics within the scope of the institute These members participate in institute activities benefit from institute-sponsored programs and meetings and are listed in the institute directory The institute director and associate director are responsible for maintaining the full list of current members through consultation with the faculty members This document provides governance guidelines for the initial phase of the IGC Since establishment of the IGC is rather special in many respects this document may be revised and updated on an ongoing basis at the discretion of the Internal Advisory Board Approved by the Internal Advisory Board January 30th 2008
Center13 for13 Particle13 and13 Gravitational13 Astrophysics13 13
Highlights13 13
Most13 exciting13 eventsdiscoveries13 from13 CPGA13 13 13 (1) Swift13 201113 ndash13 Discovery13 of13 star13 disruption13 by13 a13 million13 solar13 mass13
black13 hole13 leading13 to13 a13 gamma-shy‐ray13 emitting13 relativistic13 jet13 13 13 (2) IceCube13 2011-shy‐201213 ndash13 Impose13 first13 serious13 constraints13 on13 neutrino13
emission13 and13 cosmic13 ray13 acceleration13 in13 Gamma13 Ray13 Bursts13 13 (3) IceCube13 2013-shy‐201413 ndash13 Discover13 the13 first13 ldquoguaranteed13 astrophysicalrdquo13
origin13 neutrinos13 at13 TeV-shy‐PeV13 energies13 ndash13 source13 unknown13 so13 far13 13 (4) Auger13 measured13 (2008-shy‐2009)13 the13 ldquoGZKrdquo13 cutoff13 in13 the13 highest13 energy13
cosmic13 rays13 ever13 measured13 (1E2013 eV13 fast13 baseball13 10013 kmhr)13 13 (5) Advanced-shy‐LIGO13 Livingston13 site13 operating13 Hanford13 next13 summer13
next13 science13 run13 this13 fall13 13 13 (6) HAWC13 completed13 instrumenting13 full13 tanks13 inaugural13 conference13 in13
March13 will13 observe13 gamma13 rays13 at13 energies13 above13 those13 of13 Fermi13 spacecraft13 13
13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
13 13
Pierre Auger ObservatoryPublic Event Explorer
Page hosted by the Auger group atColorado State University
Imagery copy2013 TerraMetrics Map data copy2013 Google -
The
AM
ON
Idea
13 13 13 13 13 13 Triggering13 observatories13 13 bull Provide13 sub-shy‐threshold13
candidate13 events13 to13 AMON13 in13 real13 me13
The13 AMON13 Idea13
bull Seeks13 coincidences13 in13 me13 and13 space13 bull Generates13 alerts13 -shy‐13 broadcast13 and13 archived13 bull Enables13 archival13 analyses13
bull respond13 to13 AMON13 alerts13
413 AMON13
ν13 ϒ13
gw13 n13
Use13 messenger13 parcles13 of13 all13 four13 fundamental13 forces13
x13 UV13 opcal13 13
ϒ13
AMON13
Follow-shy‐up13 observatories13 13
The
AM
ON
Idea
13
513 AMON13
The13 AMON13 Idea13
Future13
Status13 quo13
Many13 bilateral13 agreements13 among13 various13 observatories13 and13 cross-shy‐collaborave13 analyses13 13 No13 unified13 mullateral13 agreement13 and13 unified13 13 analyses13 of13 mulmessenger13 data13 13 Mostly13 unidireconal13 13 13
AMON13 serves13 as13 a13 central13 hub13 for13 collecng13 data13 from13 various13 mulmessenger13 facilies13 13 Performs13 unified13 analyses13 on13 mulmessenger13 data13 13 13 Gain13 in13 effecve13 aggregate13 sensivity13 13 Simplified13 protocols13 of13 cross-shy‐collaborave13 analyses13
AM
ON
Netw
ork13
613 14-shy‐12-shy‐1013 AMON13
13 13 13 13 13 613 Memoranda13 of13 Understandings13 (MoUs)13 signed13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 113 MoU13 in13 review13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 213 more13 leYer13 of13 collaboraon13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 many13 more13 in13 the13 future13 13
Triggering13 13 IceCube13 ANTARES13 Auger13 HAWC13 VERITAS13 SwiG13 BAThellip13 13 13 13
Follow-shy‐up13 13 SwiG13 XRT13 ampUVOT13 VERITAS13 13
hYpamongravitypsuedu13 13
AstropPhys13 Vol13 4513 56ndash7013 201313 13
Overview for the Center for Theoretical and Observational Cosmology
The study of the large-scale properties and evolution of the cosmos is one of the mostintellectually challenging and exciting scientific endeavors of the early 21st century Thisfield of research addresses the most fundamental questions that can be posed and is one ofgreat public interest Scientists at the Center for Theoretical and Observational Cosmologyare engaged in a wide variety of activities frequently holding scientific leadership positionsin large international collaborations that are probing the basic properties of the universeThe Centerrsquos research efforts are concentrated in Wide-Area Cosmological Surveys theHigh-Energy Universe and Theoretical Investigations of the conditions in the extremelyearly universe and the formation and evolution of large structures throughout cosmic time
Wide-Area Cosmological Surveys
The foundation of these recent advances are the wide-area (covering a significant frac-tion of the sky) high-quality surveys that have been undertaken in the past two decadesThe most prominent of these projects is the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) The SDSSobservations of galaxies and quasars allowed the construction of detailed maps of the dis-tribution of matter in the universe the structures that are detected are some of the mostimportant constraints on theoretical models of the properties and evolution of the universe
During SDSSrsquos first decade Penn State scientists were in charge of the quasar scienceof the survey On several occasions during this period the SDSS quasar team identified themost distant known object in the universe and discovered (after astronomers had searchedfor nearly 40 years) the era when the intergalactic medium transitioned from a neutral toan ionized state Penn State has joined the fourth phase (which started on 1 July 2014)as an institutional member Drs Niel Brandt and Michael Eracleous (observational) andSarah Shandera and Donghui Jeong (theoretical) are actively engaged in SDSS-IV
Penn State is playing an important part in another large cosmological survey theHobby-Eberly Telescope Dark Energy Experiment (HETDEX) which should begin obser-vations in late 2015 The goal of this multi-year project is to identify approximately onemillion galaxies in the era when the universe was only a quarter of its current linear sizerevealing information about the rate of expansion of the universe at that time and providea key constraint on cosmological models In preparation for this ambitious project theHETDEX Pilot Survey was undertaken using one of the smaller telescopes at McDon-ald Observatory Drs Robin Ciardullo Caryl Gronwall and Jeong are now analyzingand publishing of the Pilot Survey results which are revealing the physical conditions ingalaxies billions of years in the past
Every ten years the US Astronomical Community produces a report that lists thehighest priorities for the next decade the top-ranked project for ground-based astronomyin the most recent document was the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) The LSSTwill be able to obtain images of approximately 50 of the sky every few nights providinginsights on issues ranging from our cosmic neighborhood (identifying and tracking ldquokillerasteroidsrdquo) to the most distant reaches of the universe (properties of Dark Energy) PennState has been an institutional member of this large international project since 2005 andhas been an active participant of the governance and science planning Dr Brandt is incharge of developing the plan for LSSTrsquoS deepest observations
The High-Energy Universe
High-energy astrophysics (X-rays and γ-rays) has long been one of Penn Statersquosstrengths The two signature projects are the design and construction of the primaryinstrument for the Chandra spacecraft one of NASArsquos ldquoGreat Observatoriesrdquo and PennStatersquos major role in NASArsquos Swift satellite which studies γ-ray bursts (GRBs) In ad-dition Dr Brandt is heavily involved in the NuSTAR (Nuclear Spectroscopic TelescopeArray) satellite program which began taking observations in 2012
Chandra launched in 1999 has provided our sharpest and deepest view of the X-rayuniverse Dr Brandt has led a series of studies that have revealed the characteristics ofhigh-energy emission from the first supermassive black holes to form in the universe HisldquoSix Megasecondrdquo image of a small piece of sky created with an exposure time of nearly70 days has revealed hundreds of faint X-ray sources The faintest objects are such thatthe X-ray instrument detects one photon from the source every two weeks
Penn State developed two of the three instruments on the Swift satellite and runsSwiftrsquos Mission Operations Center Center scientists Drs Peter Meszaros and Derek Foxhave made major contributions to this project Swift scans the sky for GRBs which arebrief flashes (timescale of a second) of extremely high-energy photons Within minutes ofdetecting a GRB Swift automatically points the onboard X-ray and optical telescopes to-wards the estimated direction of the event and immediately transmits an accurate positionof the event to observers around the world Despite the planned three-year operationallifetime after its 2004 launch NASA has repeatedly extended the mission because of therevolutionary scientific returns that Swift continues to produce
Swift discoveries include 1) the first precise locations of ldquoshortrdquo (less than a secondduration) GRBs providing solid support for the proposal that these GRBs are producedby mergers of two neutron stars 2) the first detection of the X-rays shock break-out from asupernova 3) the detection of long faint GRB which ground-based observations revealedto be the most distant known stellar object at a redshift of 93 4) the first observationsof a relativistic jet produced by the tidal disruption of star by a massive black hole5) discovering a GRB located at a distance of several billion light-years that was sobright it was visible to the naked eye for several seconds and 6) detection of a burst thatproduced for a few seconds an amount of electromagnetic energy that was comparable tothat of the entire rest of the universe
NuSTAR which is providing a view of the universe in the high X-ray regime is now inits third year of operations Dr Brandtrsquos group has led a number of studies based on thenew data that have provided insights into the properties and environments of supermassiveblack holes located in the centers of galaxies
Theoretical Cosmology at the Center
Dr Shanderarsquos research concentrates on the first moments of the universersquos existencein particular the period when the universe is thought to have undergone an incredibly rapidphase of expansion (the ldquoinflationrdquo theory) that occurred approximately 10minus35 s after theBig Bang Dr Shanderarsquos primary goals are to understand the nature of quantum fields inthis era and to identify observational signals that can test whether this inflationary phasedid indeed exist
Dr Lirsquos group has developed sophisticated computer codes incorporating detailedphysical processes and the large-scale evolution of structure in the universe to addresssome of the most pressing questions in cosmology ranging from the appearance of the firstsupermassive black holes in the universe to the formation of our own galaxy the MilkyWay
Dr Jeong is extensively involved in large-scale surveys (see above) but also is inves-tigating questions such as the applicability of Einsteinrsquos Theory of General Relativity overthe largest spans of distance and time in the universe and the nature of Dark Energy
The Annual Neighborhood Cosmology Conference
During the spring semesters in 2013 and 2014 the Center hosted a ldquoNeighborhoodCosmology Conferencerdquo that was attended by scientists from a number of local institutionsThis two-day affair brings together approximately 90 astronomers and physicists to discussthe latest developments in cosmology The vast majority of the attendees are students(undergraduate and graduate) and postdocs Institutions that have participated includeJohns Hopkins the University of Pennsylvania the University of Pittsburgh RutgersUniversity Carnegie Mellon University Case Western Reserve University and CornellUniversity In addition to the productive science exchanges the conference is a usefulrecruiting tool for the Physics and the Astronomy Departments
Special recognition is due to Dr Shandera and Ms Randi Neshteruk for their superborganizational efforts for the conferences
Conclusion
Center scientists have been at the forefront of cosmological research for more than adecade and their leadership roles in a number of major current and near-future projectspromises to maintain Penn Statersquos high profile in this exciting and important field Anindication of the Centerrsquos scientific impact is that since the Centerrsquos creation in mid-2011Center scientists have published 208 peer-reviewed papers these works have garnered 6570citations We expect that this rate of productivity will increase due to the addition of recentfaculty hires and as results are produced by the major new projects (NuStar SDSS-IVHETDEX) The Physics and the Astronomy Departments were both highly-ranked by the2010 National Research Councilrsquos review and the high-profile activity of the Center willplay an important role in maintaining and bolstering this reputation
13 13 13 13 13 13 The13 primary13 goal13 of13 our13 center13 is13 to13 foster13 research13 and13 education13 in13 some13 fundamental13 areas13 at13 the13 forefront13 of13 theoretical13 and13 mathematical13 physics13 These13 areas13 include13 theories13 that13 attempt13 to13 unify13 Einsteins13 theory13 of13 gravity13 and13 quantum13 mechanics13 general13 relativity13 and13 supergravity13 cosmology13 non-shy‐commutative13 geometry13 and13 related13 areas13 of13 mathematics13 and13 philosophy13 of13 science13 We13 have13 faculty13 members13 from13 Physics13 Mathematics13 as13 well13 as13 Philosophy13 Department13 13 13 The13 two13 leading13 approaches13 to13 quantum13 gravity13 are13 both13 represented13 at13 our13 center13 namely13 loop13 quantum13 gravity13 and13 string13 theory13 Loop13 quantum13 gravity13 which13 was13 developed13 mainly13 here13 at13 Penn13 State13 attempts13 to13 quantize13 gravity13 in13 four13 space-shy‐time13 dimensions13 by13 itself13 13 String13 theory13 is13 more13 ambitious13 and13 attempts13 to13 unify13 all13 known13 forces13 of13 nature13 including13 gravity13 in13 a13 quantum13 mechanically13 consistent13 framework13 13 Penn13 State13 is13 the13 only13 US13 institution13 where13 both13 of13 these13 approaches13 are13 being13 developed13 13 13 At13 any13 given13 time13 the13 researchers13 in13 our13 center13 work13 on13 many13 exciting13 and13 interesting13 problems13 Currently13 we13 have13 a13 major13 research13 activity13 on13 loop13 quantum13 cosmology13 which13 was13 initiated13 and13 largely13 developed13 here13 in13 our13 center13 by13 Martin13 Bojowald13 Abhay13 Ashtekar13 and13 their13 coworkers13 13 By13 now13 this13 is13 a13 very13 active13 area13 of13 research13 among13 physicists13 that13 work13 on13 loop13 quantum13 gravity13 worldwide13 13 The13 original13 singularity13 of13 the13 classical13 theory13 of13 general13 relativity13 corresponding13 to13 the13 big13 bang13 gets13 resolved13 due13 to13 quantum13
effects13 and13 the13 big13 bang13 and13 big13 crunch13 singularities13 are13 replaced13 by13 big13 bounces13 in13 some13 of13 the13 loop13 quantum13 cosmology13 models13 13 13 The13 researchers13 in13 this13 field13 are13 currently13 trying13 to13 understand13 the13 physics13 of13 the13 early13 universe13 and13 thereby13 explain13 the13 current13 cosmological13 observations13 such13 as13 the13 large-shy‐scale13 structure13 of13 the13 observed13 universe13 13 13 Another13 current13 major13 research13 area13 in13 the13 center13 is13 the13 work13 on13 scattering13 amplitude13 calculations13 in13 supergravity13 theories13 and13 study13 of13 their13 finiteness13 properties13 13 Supergravity13 theories13 are13 extensions13 of13 Einsteinrsquos13 theory13 of13 general13 relativity13 whose13 quantization13 leads13 to13 additional13 particles13 other13 than13 the13 graviton13 which13 mediates13 the13 gravitational13 force13 13 Through13 a13 remarkable13 tour13 de13 force13 of13 technical13 calculation13 Radu13 Roiban13 and13 his13 co-shy‐workers13 showed13 that13 the13 maximal13 supergravity13 is13 finite13 up13 to13 four13 loops13 in13 perturbative13 quantum13 theory13 13 This13 was13 an13 unexpected13 result13 since13 the13 perturbative13 quantization13 of13 Einsteinrsquos13 general13 relativity13 leads13 to13 incurable13 infinities13 already13 at13 two13 loops13 This13 work13 has13 been13 one13 of13 the13 main13 motivators13 for13 the13 exciting13 and13 important13 developments13 in13 the13 field13 of13 amplitude13 calculations13 in13 supergravity13 and13 supersymmetric13 field13 theories13 in13 recent13 years13 13 13 One13 of13 our13 main13 activities13 is13 to13 organize13 workshops13 on13 recent13 exciting13 developments13 in13 areas13 represented13 in13 our13 Center13 These13 workshops13 have13 been13 very13 successful13 and13 contributed13 to13 the13 visibility13 of13 our13 Center13 greatly13 by13 bringing13 leading13 scientists13 working13 in13 these13 areas13 to13 Penn13 State13 They13 also13 foster13 the13 synergy13 in13 the13 Center13 For13 example13 last13 year13 M13 Bojowald13 M13 Gunaydin13 and13 P13 Xu13 organized13 a13 workshop13 on13 Non-shy‐Associativity13 in13 Physics13 and13 Related13 Mathematical13 Structures13 that13 brought13 together13 physicists13 and13 mathematicians13 including13 a13 field13 medalist13 13 Similarly13 in13 201313 A13 Ashtekar13 G13 Fleming13 and13 E13 Grosholz13 organized13 a13 workshop13 on13 Cosmology13 and13 Time13 that13 brought13 physicists13 and13 philosophers13 together13 We13 also13 initiated13 a13 series13 of13 workshops13 rotating13 between13 Penn13 State13 the13 Albert13 Einstein13 Institute13 in13 Potsdam13 Germany13 Cambridge13 University13 Imperial13 College13 and13 Texas13 AampM13 University13 13 13 13 Murat13 Gunaydin13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 February13 1613 201513
- Agenda
- 15rep-cavener
- Letter to the editor_ Lecture was outstanding _ Letters to the Editor _ CentreDaily
- governance-13
- CPGA-Highlights
- AMON Slides for Dean Cavener
-
- Pages from AMON_Statuspdf
- Pages from AMON_Status-2pdf
- Pages from AMON_Status-3pdf
- AMON MoU Listpdf
-
- ctocshort
- CFT_2015
-
decisions The director and associate director are free to divide among themselves the charge of day-to-day governance issues The term of appointment can be up to 3 years and may be renewed by the Internal Advisory Board in consultation with the director Center Directors The center directors are responsible for administering their separate centers They represent their centers acting in consultation with their faculty members as well as the institute director and associate director Each center director provides information on the activities of the center for the annual report by the institute director Appointment durations can be up to 3 years and may be renewed by the Internal Advisory Board in consultation with the institute director Faculty members Penn State faculty members may be appointed to membership in the institute by the Internal Advisory Board upon nomination by the institute director Appointments are made for up to 3 years at a time but may be renewed by the same procedure Each faculty member of the institute will also be a member of at least one of its centers An institute member who is a member of more than one center is expected to identify a primary affiliation with one of them Membership in the institute and its centers normally extends also to research associates postdoctoral scholars and research students who are working with a faculty member on topics within the scope of the institute These members participate in institute activities benefit from institute-sponsored programs and meetings and are listed in the institute directory The institute director and associate director are responsible for maintaining the full list of current members through consultation with the faculty members This document provides governance guidelines for the initial phase of the IGC Since establishment of the IGC is rather special in many respects this document may be revised and updated on an ongoing basis at the discretion of the Internal Advisory Board Approved by the Internal Advisory Board January 30th 2008
Center13 for13 Particle13 and13 Gravitational13 Astrophysics13 13
Highlights13 13
Most13 exciting13 eventsdiscoveries13 from13 CPGA13 13 13 (1) Swift13 201113 ndash13 Discovery13 of13 star13 disruption13 by13 a13 million13 solar13 mass13
black13 hole13 leading13 to13 a13 gamma-shy‐ray13 emitting13 relativistic13 jet13 13 13 (2) IceCube13 2011-shy‐201213 ndash13 Impose13 first13 serious13 constraints13 on13 neutrino13
emission13 and13 cosmic13 ray13 acceleration13 in13 Gamma13 Ray13 Bursts13 13 (3) IceCube13 2013-shy‐201413 ndash13 Discover13 the13 first13 ldquoguaranteed13 astrophysicalrdquo13
origin13 neutrinos13 at13 TeV-shy‐PeV13 energies13 ndash13 source13 unknown13 so13 far13 13 (4) Auger13 measured13 (2008-shy‐2009)13 the13 ldquoGZKrdquo13 cutoff13 in13 the13 highest13 energy13
cosmic13 rays13 ever13 measured13 (1E2013 eV13 fast13 baseball13 10013 kmhr)13 13 (5) Advanced-shy‐LIGO13 Livingston13 site13 operating13 Hanford13 next13 summer13
next13 science13 run13 this13 fall13 13 13 (6) HAWC13 completed13 instrumenting13 full13 tanks13 inaugural13 conference13 in13
March13 will13 observe13 gamma13 rays13 at13 energies13 above13 those13 of13 Fermi13 spacecraft13 13
13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
13 13
Pierre Auger ObservatoryPublic Event Explorer
Page hosted by the Auger group atColorado State University
Imagery copy2013 TerraMetrics Map data copy2013 Google -
The
AM
ON
Idea
13 13 13 13 13 13 Triggering13 observatories13 13 bull Provide13 sub-shy‐threshold13
candidate13 events13 to13 AMON13 in13 real13 me13
The13 AMON13 Idea13
bull Seeks13 coincidences13 in13 me13 and13 space13 bull Generates13 alerts13 -shy‐13 broadcast13 and13 archived13 bull Enables13 archival13 analyses13
bull respond13 to13 AMON13 alerts13
413 AMON13
ν13 ϒ13
gw13 n13
Use13 messenger13 parcles13 of13 all13 four13 fundamental13 forces13
x13 UV13 opcal13 13
ϒ13
AMON13
Follow-shy‐up13 observatories13 13
The
AM
ON
Idea
13
513 AMON13
The13 AMON13 Idea13
Future13
Status13 quo13
Many13 bilateral13 agreements13 among13 various13 observatories13 and13 cross-shy‐collaborave13 analyses13 13 No13 unified13 mullateral13 agreement13 and13 unified13 13 analyses13 of13 mulmessenger13 data13 13 Mostly13 unidireconal13 13 13
AMON13 serves13 as13 a13 central13 hub13 for13 collecng13 data13 from13 various13 mulmessenger13 facilies13 13 Performs13 unified13 analyses13 on13 mulmessenger13 data13 13 13 Gain13 in13 effecve13 aggregate13 sensivity13 13 Simplified13 protocols13 of13 cross-shy‐collaborave13 analyses13
AM
ON
Netw
ork13
613 14-shy‐12-shy‐1013 AMON13
13 13 13 13 13 613 Memoranda13 of13 Understandings13 (MoUs)13 signed13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 113 MoU13 in13 review13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 213 more13 leYer13 of13 collaboraon13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 many13 more13 in13 the13 future13 13
Triggering13 13 IceCube13 ANTARES13 Auger13 HAWC13 VERITAS13 SwiG13 BAThellip13 13 13 13
Follow-shy‐up13 13 SwiG13 XRT13 ampUVOT13 VERITAS13 13
hYpamongravitypsuedu13 13
AstropPhys13 Vol13 4513 56ndash7013 201313 13
Overview for the Center for Theoretical and Observational Cosmology
The study of the large-scale properties and evolution of the cosmos is one of the mostintellectually challenging and exciting scientific endeavors of the early 21st century Thisfield of research addresses the most fundamental questions that can be posed and is one ofgreat public interest Scientists at the Center for Theoretical and Observational Cosmologyare engaged in a wide variety of activities frequently holding scientific leadership positionsin large international collaborations that are probing the basic properties of the universeThe Centerrsquos research efforts are concentrated in Wide-Area Cosmological Surveys theHigh-Energy Universe and Theoretical Investigations of the conditions in the extremelyearly universe and the formation and evolution of large structures throughout cosmic time
Wide-Area Cosmological Surveys
The foundation of these recent advances are the wide-area (covering a significant frac-tion of the sky) high-quality surveys that have been undertaken in the past two decadesThe most prominent of these projects is the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) The SDSSobservations of galaxies and quasars allowed the construction of detailed maps of the dis-tribution of matter in the universe the structures that are detected are some of the mostimportant constraints on theoretical models of the properties and evolution of the universe
During SDSSrsquos first decade Penn State scientists were in charge of the quasar scienceof the survey On several occasions during this period the SDSS quasar team identified themost distant known object in the universe and discovered (after astronomers had searchedfor nearly 40 years) the era when the intergalactic medium transitioned from a neutral toan ionized state Penn State has joined the fourth phase (which started on 1 July 2014)as an institutional member Drs Niel Brandt and Michael Eracleous (observational) andSarah Shandera and Donghui Jeong (theoretical) are actively engaged in SDSS-IV
Penn State is playing an important part in another large cosmological survey theHobby-Eberly Telescope Dark Energy Experiment (HETDEX) which should begin obser-vations in late 2015 The goal of this multi-year project is to identify approximately onemillion galaxies in the era when the universe was only a quarter of its current linear sizerevealing information about the rate of expansion of the universe at that time and providea key constraint on cosmological models In preparation for this ambitious project theHETDEX Pilot Survey was undertaken using one of the smaller telescopes at McDon-ald Observatory Drs Robin Ciardullo Caryl Gronwall and Jeong are now analyzingand publishing of the Pilot Survey results which are revealing the physical conditions ingalaxies billions of years in the past
Every ten years the US Astronomical Community produces a report that lists thehighest priorities for the next decade the top-ranked project for ground-based astronomyin the most recent document was the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) The LSSTwill be able to obtain images of approximately 50 of the sky every few nights providinginsights on issues ranging from our cosmic neighborhood (identifying and tracking ldquokillerasteroidsrdquo) to the most distant reaches of the universe (properties of Dark Energy) PennState has been an institutional member of this large international project since 2005 andhas been an active participant of the governance and science planning Dr Brandt is incharge of developing the plan for LSSTrsquoS deepest observations
The High-Energy Universe
High-energy astrophysics (X-rays and γ-rays) has long been one of Penn Statersquosstrengths The two signature projects are the design and construction of the primaryinstrument for the Chandra spacecraft one of NASArsquos ldquoGreat Observatoriesrdquo and PennStatersquos major role in NASArsquos Swift satellite which studies γ-ray bursts (GRBs) In ad-dition Dr Brandt is heavily involved in the NuSTAR (Nuclear Spectroscopic TelescopeArray) satellite program which began taking observations in 2012
Chandra launched in 1999 has provided our sharpest and deepest view of the X-rayuniverse Dr Brandt has led a series of studies that have revealed the characteristics ofhigh-energy emission from the first supermassive black holes to form in the universe HisldquoSix Megasecondrdquo image of a small piece of sky created with an exposure time of nearly70 days has revealed hundreds of faint X-ray sources The faintest objects are such thatthe X-ray instrument detects one photon from the source every two weeks
Penn State developed two of the three instruments on the Swift satellite and runsSwiftrsquos Mission Operations Center Center scientists Drs Peter Meszaros and Derek Foxhave made major contributions to this project Swift scans the sky for GRBs which arebrief flashes (timescale of a second) of extremely high-energy photons Within minutes ofdetecting a GRB Swift automatically points the onboard X-ray and optical telescopes to-wards the estimated direction of the event and immediately transmits an accurate positionof the event to observers around the world Despite the planned three-year operationallifetime after its 2004 launch NASA has repeatedly extended the mission because of therevolutionary scientific returns that Swift continues to produce
Swift discoveries include 1) the first precise locations of ldquoshortrdquo (less than a secondduration) GRBs providing solid support for the proposal that these GRBs are producedby mergers of two neutron stars 2) the first detection of the X-rays shock break-out from asupernova 3) the detection of long faint GRB which ground-based observations revealedto be the most distant known stellar object at a redshift of 93 4) the first observationsof a relativistic jet produced by the tidal disruption of star by a massive black hole5) discovering a GRB located at a distance of several billion light-years that was sobright it was visible to the naked eye for several seconds and 6) detection of a burst thatproduced for a few seconds an amount of electromagnetic energy that was comparable tothat of the entire rest of the universe
NuSTAR which is providing a view of the universe in the high X-ray regime is now inits third year of operations Dr Brandtrsquos group has led a number of studies based on thenew data that have provided insights into the properties and environments of supermassiveblack holes located in the centers of galaxies
Theoretical Cosmology at the Center
Dr Shanderarsquos research concentrates on the first moments of the universersquos existencein particular the period when the universe is thought to have undergone an incredibly rapidphase of expansion (the ldquoinflationrdquo theory) that occurred approximately 10minus35 s after theBig Bang Dr Shanderarsquos primary goals are to understand the nature of quantum fields inthis era and to identify observational signals that can test whether this inflationary phasedid indeed exist
Dr Lirsquos group has developed sophisticated computer codes incorporating detailedphysical processes and the large-scale evolution of structure in the universe to addresssome of the most pressing questions in cosmology ranging from the appearance of the firstsupermassive black holes in the universe to the formation of our own galaxy the MilkyWay
Dr Jeong is extensively involved in large-scale surveys (see above) but also is inves-tigating questions such as the applicability of Einsteinrsquos Theory of General Relativity overthe largest spans of distance and time in the universe and the nature of Dark Energy
The Annual Neighborhood Cosmology Conference
During the spring semesters in 2013 and 2014 the Center hosted a ldquoNeighborhoodCosmology Conferencerdquo that was attended by scientists from a number of local institutionsThis two-day affair brings together approximately 90 astronomers and physicists to discussthe latest developments in cosmology The vast majority of the attendees are students(undergraduate and graduate) and postdocs Institutions that have participated includeJohns Hopkins the University of Pennsylvania the University of Pittsburgh RutgersUniversity Carnegie Mellon University Case Western Reserve University and CornellUniversity In addition to the productive science exchanges the conference is a usefulrecruiting tool for the Physics and the Astronomy Departments
Special recognition is due to Dr Shandera and Ms Randi Neshteruk for their superborganizational efforts for the conferences
Conclusion
Center scientists have been at the forefront of cosmological research for more than adecade and their leadership roles in a number of major current and near-future projectspromises to maintain Penn Statersquos high profile in this exciting and important field Anindication of the Centerrsquos scientific impact is that since the Centerrsquos creation in mid-2011Center scientists have published 208 peer-reviewed papers these works have garnered 6570citations We expect that this rate of productivity will increase due to the addition of recentfaculty hires and as results are produced by the major new projects (NuStar SDSS-IVHETDEX) The Physics and the Astronomy Departments were both highly-ranked by the2010 National Research Councilrsquos review and the high-profile activity of the Center willplay an important role in maintaining and bolstering this reputation
13 13 13 13 13 13 The13 primary13 goal13 of13 our13 center13 is13 to13 foster13 research13 and13 education13 in13 some13 fundamental13 areas13 at13 the13 forefront13 of13 theoretical13 and13 mathematical13 physics13 These13 areas13 include13 theories13 that13 attempt13 to13 unify13 Einsteins13 theory13 of13 gravity13 and13 quantum13 mechanics13 general13 relativity13 and13 supergravity13 cosmology13 non-shy‐commutative13 geometry13 and13 related13 areas13 of13 mathematics13 and13 philosophy13 of13 science13 We13 have13 faculty13 members13 from13 Physics13 Mathematics13 as13 well13 as13 Philosophy13 Department13 13 13 The13 two13 leading13 approaches13 to13 quantum13 gravity13 are13 both13 represented13 at13 our13 center13 namely13 loop13 quantum13 gravity13 and13 string13 theory13 Loop13 quantum13 gravity13 which13 was13 developed13 mainly13 here13 at13 Penn13 State13 attempts13 to13 quantize13 gravity13 in13 four13 space-shy‐time13 dimensions13 by13 itself13 13 String13 theory13 is13 more13 ambitious13 and13 attempts13 to13 unify13 all13 known13 forces13 of13 nature13 including13 gravity13 in13 a13 quantum13 mechanically13 consistent13 framework13 13 Penn13 State13 is13 the13 only13 US13 institution13 where13 both13 of13 these13 approaches13 are13 being13 developed13 13 13 At13 any13 given13 time13 the13 researchers13 in13 our13 center13 work13 on13 many13 exciting13 and13 interesting13 problems13 Currently13 we13 have13 a13 major13 research13 activity13 on13 loop13 quantum13 cosmology13 which13 was13 initiated13 and13 largely13 developed13 here13 in13 our13 center13 by13 Martin13 Bojowald13 Abhay13 Ashtekar13 and13 their13 coworkers13 13 By13 now13 this13 is13 a13 very13 active13 area13 of13 research13 among13 physicists13 that13 work13 on13 loop13 quantum13 gravity13 worldwide13 13 The13 original13 singularity13 of13 the13 classical13 theory13 of13 general13 relativity13 corresponding13 to13 the13 big13 bang13 gets13 resolved13 due13 to13 quantum13
effects13 and13 the13 big13 bang13 and13 big13 crunch13 singularities13 are13 replaced13 by13 big13 bounces13 in13 some13 of13 the13 loop13 quantum13 cosmology13 models13 13 13 The13 researchers13 in13 this13 field13 are13 currently13 trying13 to13 understand13 the13 physics13 of13 the13 early13 universe13 and13 thereby13 explain13 the13 current13 cosmological13 observations13 such13 as13 the13 large-shy‐scale13 structure13 of13 the13 observed13 universe13 13 13 Another13 current13 major13 research13 area13 in13 the13 center13 is13 the13 work13 on13 scattering13 amplitude13 calculations13 in13 supergravity13 theories13 and13 study13 of13 their13 finiteness13 properties13 13 Supergravity13 theories13 are13 extensions13 of13 Einsteinrsquos13 theory13 of13 general13 relativity13 whose13 quantization13 leads13 to13 additional13 particles13 other13 than13 the13 graviton13 which13 mediates13 the13 gravitational13 force13 13 Through13 a13 remarkable13 tour13 de13 force13 of13 technical13 calculation13 Radu13 Roiban13 and13 his13 co-shy‐workers13 showed13 that13 the13 maximal13 supergravity13 is13 finite13 up13 to13 four13 loops13 in13 perturbative13 quantum13 theory13 13 This13 was13 an13 unexpected13 result13 since13 the13 perturbative13 quantization13 of13 Einsteinrsquos13 general13 relativity13 leads13 to13 incurable13 infinities13 already13 at13 two13 loops13 This13 work13 has13 been13 one13 of13 the13 main13 motivators13 for13 the13 exciting13 and13 important13 developments13 in13 the13 field13 of13 amplitude13 calculations13 in13 supergravity13 and13 supersymmetric13 field13 theories13 in13 recent13 years13 13 13 One13 of13 our13 main13 activities13 is13 to13 organize13 workshops13 on13 recent13 exciting13 developments13 in13 areas13 represented13 in13 our13 Center13 These13 workshops13 have13 been13 very13 successful13 and13 contributed13 to13 the13 visibility13 of13 our13 Center13 greatly13 by13 bringing13 leading13 scientists13 working13 in13 these13 areas13 to13 Penn13 State13 They13 also13 foster13 the13 synergy13 in13 the13 Center13 For13 example13 last13 year13 M13 Bojowald13 M13 Gunaydin13 and13 P13 Xu13 organized13 a13 workshop13 on13 Non-shy‐Associativity13 in13 Physics13 and13 Related13 Mathematical13 Structures13 that13 brought13 together13 physicists13 and13 mathematicians13 including13 a13 field13 medalist13 13 Similarly13 in13 201313 A13 Ashtekar13 G13 Fleming13 and13 E13 Grosholz13 organized13 a13 workshop13 on13 Cosmology13 and13 Time13 that13 brought13 physicists13 and13 philosophers13 together13 We13 also13 initiated13 a13 series13 of13 workshops13 rotating13 between13 Penn13 State13 the13 Albert13 Einstein13 Institute13 in13 Potsdam13 Germany13 Cambridge13 University13 Imperial13 College13 and13 Texas13 AampM13 University13 13 13 13 Murat13 Gunaydin13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 February13 1613 201513
- Agenda
- 15rep-cavener
- Letter to the editor_ Lecture was outstanding _ Letters to the Editor _ CentreDaily
- governance-13
- CPGA-Highlights
- AMON Slides for Dean Cavener
-
- Pages from AMON_Statuspdf
- Pages from AMON_Status-2pdf
- Pages from AMON_Status-3pdf
- AMON MoU Listpdf
-
- ctocshort
- CFT_2015
-
Center13 for13 Particle13 and13 Gravitational13 Astrophysics13 13
Highlights13 13
Most13 exciting13 eventsdiscoveries13 from13 CPGA13 13 13 (1) Swift13 201113 ndash13 Discovery13 of13 star13 disruption13 by13 a13 million13 solar13 mass13
black13 hole13 leading13 to13 a13 gamma-shy‐ray13 emitting13 relativistic13 jet13 13 13 (2) IceCube13 2011-shy‐201213 ndash13 Impose13 first13 serious13 constraints13 on13 neutrino13
emission13 and13 cosmic13 ray13 acceleration13 in13 Gamma13 Ray13 Bursts13 13 (3) IceCube13 2013-shy‐201413 ndash13 Discover13 the13 first13 ldquoguaranteed13 astrophysicalrdquo13
origin13 neutrinos13 at13 TeV-shy‐PeV13 energies13 ndash13 source13 unknown13 so13 far13 13 (4) Auger13 measured13 (2008-shy‐2009)13 the13 ldquoGZKrdquo13 cutoff13 in13 the13 highest13 energy13
cosmic13 rays13 ever13 measured13 (1E2013 eV13 fast13 baseball13 10013 kmhr)13 13 (5) Advanced-shy‐LIGO13 Livingston13 site13 operating13 Hanford13 next13 summer13
next13 science13 run13 this13 fall13 13 13 (6) HAWC13 completed13 instrumenting13 full13 tanks13 inaugural13 conference13 in13
March13 will13 observe13 gamma13 rays13 at13 energies13 above13 those13 of13 Fermi13 spacecraft13 13
13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
13 13
Pierre Auger ObservatoryPublic Event Explorer
Page hosted by the Auger group atColorado State University
Imagery copy2013 TerraMetrics Map data copy2013 Google -
The
AM
ON
Idea
13 13 13 13 13 13 Triggering13 observatories13 13 bull Provide13 sub-shy‐threshold13
candidate13 events13 to13 AMON13 in13 real13 me13
The13 AMON13 Idea13
bull Seeks13 coincidences13 in13 me13 and13 space13 bull Generates13 alerts13 -shy‐13 broadcast13 and13 archived13 bull Enables13 archival13 analyses13
bull respond13 to13 AMON13 alerts13
413 AMON13
ν13 ϒ13
gw13 n13
Use13 messenger13 parcles13 of13 all13 four13 fundamental13 forces13
x13 UV13 opcal13 13
ϒ13
AMON13
Follow-shy‐up13 observatories13 13
The
AM
ON
Idea
13
513 AMON13
The13 AMON13 Idea13
Future13
Status13 quo13
Many13 bilateral13 agreements13 among13 various13 observatories13 and13 cross-shy‐collaborave13 analyses13 13 No13 unified13 mullateral13 agreement13 and13 unified13 13 analyses13 of13 mulmessenger13 data13 13 Mostly13 unidireconal13 13 13
AMON13 serves13 as13 a13 central13 hub13 for13 collecng13 data13 from13 various13 mulmessenger13 facilies13 13 Performs13 unified13 analyses13 on13 mulmessenger13 data13 13 13 Gain13 in13 effecve13 aggregate13 sensivity13 13 Simplified13 protocols13 of13 cross-shy‐collaborave13 analyses13
AM
ON
Netw
ork13
613 14-shy‐12-shy‐1013 AMON13
13 13 13 13 13 613 Memoranda13 of13 Understandings13 (MoUs)13 signed13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 113 MoU13 in13 review13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 213 more13 leYer13 of13 collaboraon13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 many13 more13 in13 the13 future13 13
Triggering13 13 IceCube13 ANTARES13 Auger13 HAWC13 VERITAS13 SwiG13 BAThellip13 13 13 13
Follow-shy‐up13 13 SwiG13 XRT13 ampUVOT13 VERITAS13 13
hYpamongravitypsuedu13 13
AstropPhys13 Vol13 4513 56ndash7013 201313 13
Overview for the Center for Theoretical and Observational Cosmology
The study of the large-scale properties and evolution of the cosmos is one of the mostintellectually challenging and exciting scientific endeavors of the early 21st century Thisfield of research addresses the most fundamental questions that can be posed and is one ofgreat public interest Scientists at the Center for Theoretical and Observational Cosmologyare engaged in a wide variety of activities frequently holding scientific leadership positionsin large international collaborations that are probing the basic properties of the universeThe Centerrsquos research efforts are concentrated in Wide-Area Cosmological Surveys theHigh-Energy Universe and Theoretical Investigations of the conditions in the extremelyearly universe and the formation and evolution of large structures throughout cosmic time
Wide-Area Cosmological Surveys
The foundation of these recent advances are the wide-area (covering a significant frac-tion of the sky) high-quality surveys that have been undertaken in the past two decadesThe most prominent of these projects is the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) The SDSSobservations of galaxies and quasars allowed the construction of detailed maps of the dis-tribution of matter in the universe the structures that are detected are some of the mostimportant constraints on theoretical models of the properties and evolution of the universe
During SDSSrsquos first decade Penn State scientists were in charge of the quasar scienceof the survey On several occasions during this period the SDSS quasar team identified themost distant known object in the universe and discovered (after astronomers had searchedfor nearly 40 years) the era when the intergalactic medium transitioned from a neutral toan ionized state Penn State has joined the fourth phase (which started on 1 July 2014)as an institutional member Drs Niel Brandt and Michael Eracleous (observational) andSarah Shandera and Donghui Jeong (theoretical) are actively engaged in SDSS-IV
Penn State is playing an important part in another large cosmological survey theHobby-Eberly Telescope Dark Energy Experiment (HETDEX) which should begin obser-vations in late 2015 The goal of this multi-year project is to identify approximately onemillion galaxies in the era when the universe was only a quarter of its current linear sizerevealing information about the rate of expansion of the universe at that time and providea key constraint on cosmological models In preparation for this ambitious project theHETDEX Pilot Survey was undertaken using one of the smaller telescopes at McDon-ald Observatory Drs Robin Ciardullo Caryl Gronwall and Jeong are now analyzingand publishing of the Pilot Survey results which are revealing the physical conditions ingalaxies billions of years in the past
Every ten years the US Astronomical Community produces a report that lists thehighest priorities for the next decade the top-ranked project for ground-based astronomyin the most recent document was the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) The LSSTwill be able to obtain images of approximately 50 of the sky every few nights providinginsights on issues ranging from our cosmic neighborhood (identifying and tracking ldquokillerasteroidsrdquo) to the most distant reaches of the universe (properties of Dark Energy) PennState has been an institutional member of this large international project since 2005 andhas been an active participant of the governance and science planning Dr Brandt is incharge of developing the plan for LSSTrsquoS deepest observations
The High-Energy Universe
High-energy astrophysics (X-rays and γ-rays) has long been one of Penn Statersquosstrengths The two signature projects are the design and construction of the primaryinstrument for the Chandra spacecraft one of NASArsquos ldquoGreat Observatoriesrdquo and PennStatersquos major role in NASArsquos Swift satellite which studies γ-ray bursts (GRBs) In ad-dition Dr Brandt is heavily involved in the NuSTAR (Nuclear Spectroscopic TelescopeArray) satellite program which began taking observations in 2012
Chandra launched in 1999 has provided our sharpest and deepest view of the X-rayuniverse Dr Brandt has led a series of studies that have revealed the characteristics ofhigh-energy emission from the first supermassive black holes to form in the universe HisldquoSix Megasecondrdquo image of a small piece of sky created with an exposure time of nearly70 days has revealed hundreds of faint X-ray sources The faintest objects are such thatthe X-ray instrument detects one photon from the source every two weeks
Penn State developed two of the three instruments on the Swift satellite and runsSwiftrsquos Mission Operations Center Center scientists Drs Peter Meszaros and Derek Foxhave made major contributions to this project Swift scans the sky for GRBs which arebrief flashes (timescale of a second) of extremely high-energy photons Within minutes ofdetecting a GRB Swift automatically points the onboard X-ray and optical telescopes to-wards the estimated direction of the event and immediately transmits an accurate positionof the event to observers around the world Despite the planned three-year operationallifetime after its 2004 launch NASA has repeatedly extended the mission because of therevolutionary scientific returns that Swift continues to produce
Swift discoveries include 1) the first precise locations of ldquoshortrdquo (less than a secondduration) GRBs providing solid support for the proposal that these GRBs are producedby mergers of two neutron stars 2) the first detection of the X-rays shock break-out from asupernova 3) the detection of long faint GRB which ground-based observations revealedto be the most distant known stellar object at a redshift of 93 4) the first observationsof a relativistic jet produced by the tidal disruption of star by a massive black hole5) discovering a GRB located at a distance of several billion light-years that was sobright it was visible to the naked eye for several seconds and 6) detection of a burst thatproduced for a few seconds an amount of electromagnetic energy that was comparable tothat of the entire rest of the universe
NuSTAR which is providing a view of the universe in the high X-ray regime is now inits third year of operations Dr Brandtrsquos group has led a number of studies based on thenew data that have provided insights into the properties and environments of supermassiveblack holes located in the centers of galaxies
Theoretical Cosmology at the Center
Dr Shanderarsquos research concentrates on the first moments of the universersquos existencein particular the period when the universe is thought to have undergone an incredibly rapidphase of expansion (the ldquoinflationrdquo theory) that occurred approximately 10minus35 s after theBig Bang Dr Shanderarsquos primary goals are to understand the nature of quantum fields inthis era and to identify observational signals that can test whether this inflationary phasedid indeed exist
Dr Lirsquos group has developed sophisticated computer codes incorporating detailedphysical processes and the large-scale evolution of structure in the universe to addresssome of the most pressing questions in cosmology ranging from the appearance of the firstsupermassive black holes in the universe to the formation of our own galaxy the MilkyWay
Dr Jeong is extensively involved in large-scale surveys (see above) but also is inves-tigating questions such as the applicability of Einsteinrsquos Theory of General Relativity overthe largest spans of distance and time in the universe and the nature of Dark Energy
The Annual Neighborhood Cosmology Conference
During the spring semesters in 2013 and 2014 the Center hosted a ldquoNeighborhoodCosmology Conferencerdquo that was attended by scientists from a number of local institutionsThis two-day affair brings together approximately 90 astronomers and physicists to discussthe latest developments in cosmology The vast majority of the attendees are students(undergraduate and graduate) and postdocs Institutions that have participated includeJohns Hopkins the University of Pennsylvania the University of Pittsburgh RutgersUniversity Carnegie Mellon University Case Western Reserve University and CornellUniversity In addition to the productive science exchanges the conference is a usefulrecruiting tool for the Physics and the Astronomy Departments
Special recognition is due to Dr Shandera and Ms Randi Neshteruk for their superborganizational efforts for the conferences
Conclusion
Center scientists have been at the forefront of cosmological research for more than adecade and their leadership roles in a number of major current and near-future projectspromises to maintain Penn Statersquos high profile in this exciting and important field Anindication of the Centerrsquos scientific impact is that since the Centerrsquos creation in mid-2011Center scientists have published 208 peer-reviewed papers these works have garnered 6570citations We expect that this rate of productivity will increase due to the addition of recentfaculty hires and as results are produced by the major new projects (NuStar SDSS-IVHETDEX) The Physics and the Astronomy Departments were both highly-ranked by the2010 National Research Councilrsquos review and the high-profile activity of the Center willplay an important role in maintaining and bolstering this reputation
13 13 13 13 13 13 The13 primary13 goal13 of13 our13 center13 is13 to13 foster13 research13 and13 education13 in13 some13 fundamental13 areas13 at13 the13 forefront13 of13 theoretical13 and13 mathematical13 physics13 These13 areas13 include13 theories13 that13 attempt13 to13 unify13 Einsteins13 theory13 of13 gravity13 and13 quantum13 mechanics13 general13 relativity13 and13 supergravity13 cosmology13 non-shy‐commutative13 geometry13 and13 related13 areas13 of13 mathematics13 and13 philosophy13 of13 science13 We13 have13 faculty13 members13 from13 Physics13 Mathematics13 as13 well13 as13 Philosophy13 Department13 13 13 The13 two13 leading13 approaches13 to13 quantum13 gravity13 are13 both13 represented13 at13 our13 center13 namely13 loop13 quantum13 gravity13 and13 string13 theory13 Loop13 quantum13 gravity13 which13 was13 developed13 mainly13 here13 at13 Penn13 State13 attempts13 to13 quantize13 gravity13 in13 four13 space-shy‐time13 dimensions13 by13 itself13 13 String13 theory13 is13 more13 ambitious13 and13 attempts13 to13 unify13 all13 known13 forces13 of13 nature13 including13 gravity13 in13 a13 quantum13 mechanically13 consistent13 framework13 13 Penn13 State13 is13 the13 only13 US13 institution13 where13 both13 of13 these13 approaches13 are13 being13 developed13 13 13 At13 any13 given13 time13 the13 researchers13 in13 our13 center13 work13 on13 many13 exciting13 and13 interesting13 problems13 Currently13 we13 have13 a13 major13 research13 activity13 on13 loop13 quantum13 cosmology13 which13 was13 initiated13 and13 largely13 developed13 here13 in13 our13 center13 by13 Martin13 Bojowald13 Abhay13 Ashtekar13 and13 their13 coworkers13 13 By13 now13 this13 is13 a13 very13 active13 area13 of13 research13 among13 physicists13 that13 work13 on13 loop13 quantum13 gravity13 worldwide13 13 The13 original13 singularity13 of13 the13 classical13 theory13 of13 general13 relativity13 corresponding13 to13 the13 big13 bang13 gets13 resolved13 due13 to13 quantum13
effects13 and13 the13 big13 bang13 and13 big13 crunch13 singularities13 are13 replaced13 by13 big13 bounces13 in13 some13 of13 the13 loop13 quantum13 cosmology13 models13 13 13 The13 researchers13 in13 this13 field13 are13 currently13 trying13 to13 understand13 the13 physics13 of13 the13 early13 universe13 and13 thereby13 explain13 the13 current13 cosmological13 observations13 such13 as13 the13 large-shy‐scale13 structure13 of13 the13 observed13 universe13 13 13 Another13 current13 major13 research13 area13 in13 the13 center13 is13 the13 work13 on13 scattering13 amplitude13 calculations13 in13 supergravity13 theories13 and13 study13 of13 their13 finiteness13 properties13 13 Supergravity13 theories13 are13 extensions13 of13 Einsteinrsquos13 theory13 of13 general13 relativity13 whose13 quantization13 leads13 to13 additional13 particles13 other13 than13 the13 graviton13 which13 mediates13 the13 gravitational13 force13 13 Through13 a13 remarkable13 tour13 de13 force13 of13 technical13 calculation13 Radu13 Roiban13 and13 his13 co-shy‐workers13 showed13 that13 the13 maximal13 supergravity13 is13 finite13 up13 to13 four13 loops13 in13 perturbative13 quantum13 theory13 13 This13 was13 an13 unexpected13 result13 since13 the13 perturbative13 quantization13 of13 Einsteinrsquos13 general13 relativity13 leads13 to13 incurable13 infinities13 already13 at13 two13 loops13 This13 work13 has13 been13 one13 of13 the13 main13 motivators13 for13 the13 exciting13 and13 important13 developments13 in13 the13 field13 of13 amplitude13 calculations13 in13 supergravity13 and13 supersymmetric13 field13 theories13 in13 recent13 years13 13 13 One13 of13 our13 main13 activities13 is13 to13 organize13 workshops13 on13 recent13 exciting13 developments13 in13 areas13 represented13 in13 our13 Center13 These13 workshops13 have13 been13 very13 successful13 and13 contributed13 to13 the13 visibility13 of13 our13 Center13 greatly13 by13 bringing13 leading13 scientists13 working13 in13 these13 areas13 to13 Penn13 State13 They13 also13 foster13 the13 synergy13 in13 the13 Center13 For13 example13 last13 year13 M13 Bojowald13 M13 Gunaydin13 and13 P13 Xu13 organized13 a13 workshop13 on13 Non-shy‐Associativity13 in13 Physics13 and13 Related13 Mathematical13 Structures13 that13 brought13 together13 physicists13 and13 mathematicians13 including13 a13 field13 medalist13 13 Similarly13 in13 201313 A13 Ashtekar13 G13 Fleming13 and13 E13 Grosholz13 organized13 a13 workshop13 on13 Cosmology13 and13 Time13 that13 brought13 physicists13 and13 philosophers13 together13 We13 also13 initiated13 a13 series13 of13 workshops13 rotating13 between13 Penn13 State13 the13 Albert13 Einstein13 Institute13 in13 Potsdam13 Germany13 Cambridge13 University13 Imperial13 College13 and13 Texas13 AampM13 University13 13 13 13 Murat13 Gunaydin13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 February13 1613 201513
- Agenda
- 15rep-cavener
- Letter to the editor_ Lecture was outstanding _ Letters to the Editor _ CentreDaily
- governance-13
- CPGA-Highlights
- AMON Slides for Dean Cavener
-
- Pages from AMON_Statuspdf
- Pages from AMON_Status-2pdf
- Pages from AMON_Status-3pdf
- AMON MoU Listpdf
-
- ctocshort
- CFT_2015
-
13 13
Pierre Auger ObservatoryPublic Event Explorer
Page hosted by the Auger group atColorado State University
Imagery copy2013 TerraMetrics Map data copy2013 Google -
The
AM
ON
Idea
13 13 13 13 13 13 Triggering13 observatories13 13 bull Provide13 sub-shy‐threshold13
candidate13 events13 to13 AMON13 in13 real13 me13
The13 AMON13 Idea13
bull Seeks13 coincidences13 in13 me13 and13 space13 bull Generates13 alerts13 -shy‐13 broadcast13 and13 archived13 bull Enables13 archival13 analyses13
bull respond13 to13 AMON13 alerts13
413 AMON13
ν13 ϒ13
gw13 n13
Use13 messenger13 parcles13 of13 all13 four13 fundamental13 forces13
x13 UV13 opcal13 13
ϒ13
AMON13
Follow-shy‐up13 observatories13 13
The
AM
ON
Idea
13
513 AMON13
The13 AMON13 Idea13
Future13
Status13 quo13
Many13 bilateral13 agreements13 among13 various13 observatories13 and13 cross-shy‐collaborave13 analyses13 13 No13 unified13 mullateral13 agreement13 and13 unified13 13 analyses13 of13 mulmessenger13 data13 13 Mostly13 unidireconal13 13 13
AMON13 serves13 as13 a13 central13 hub13 for13 collecng13 data13 from13 various13 mulmessenger13 facilies13 13 Performs13 unified13 analyses13 on13 mulmessenger13 data13 13 13 Gain13 in13 effecve13 aggregate13 sensivity13 13 Simplified13 protocols13 of13 cross-shy‐collaborave13 analyses13
AM
ON
Netw
ork13
613 14-shy‐12-shy‐1013 AMON13
13 13 13 13 13 613 Memoranda13 of13 Understandings13 (MoUs)13 signed13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 113 MoU13 in13 review13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 213 more13 leYer13 of13 collaboraon13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 many13 more13 in13 the13 future13 13
Triggering13 13 IceCube13 ANTARES13 Auger13 HAWC13 VERITAS13 SwiG13 BAThellip13 13 13 13
Follow-shy‐up13 13 SwiG13 XRT13 ampUVOT13 VERITAS13 13
hYpamongravitypsuedu13 13
AstropPhys13 Vol13 4513 56ndash7013 201313 13
Overview for the Center for Theoretical and Observational Cosmology
The study of the large-scale properties and evolution of the cosmos is one of the mostintellectually challenging and exciting scientific endeavors of the early 21st century Thisfield of research addresses the most fundamental questions that can be posed and is one ofgreat public interest Scientists at the Center for Theoretical and Observational Cosmologyare engaged in a wide variety of activities frequently holding scientific leadership positionsin large international collaborations that are probing the basic properties of the universeThe Centerrsquos research efforts are concentrated in Wide-Area Cosmological Surveys theHigh-Energy Universe and Theoretical Investigations of the conditions in the extremelyearly universe and the formation and evolution of large structures throughout cosmic time
Wide-Area Cosmological Surveys
The foundation of these recent advances are the wide-area (covering a significant frac-tion of the sky) high-quality surveys that have been undertaken in the past two decadesThe most prominent of these projects is the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) The SDSSobservations of galaxies and quasars allowed the construction of detailed maps of the dis-tribution of matter in the universe the structures that are detected are some of the mostimportant constraints on theoretical models of the properties and evolution of the universe
During SDSSrsquos first decade Penn State scientists were in charge of the quasar scienceof the survey On several occasions during this period the SDSS quasar team identified themost distant known object in the universe and discovered (after astronomers had searchedfor nearly 40 years) the era when the intergalactic medium transitioned from a neutral toan ionized state Penn State has joined the fourth phase (which started on 1 July 2014)as an institutional member Drs Niel Brandt and Michael Eracleous (observational) andSarah Shandera and Donghui Jeong (theoretical) are actively engaged in SDSS-IV
Penn State is playing an important part in another large cosmological survey theHobby-Eberly Telescope Dark Energy Experiment (HETDEX) which should begin obser-vations in late 2015 The goal of this multi-year project is to identify approximately onemillion galaxies in the era when the universe was only a quarter of its current linear sizerevealing information about the rate of expansion of the universe at that time and providea key constraint on cosmological models In preparation for this ambitious project theHETDEX Pilot Survey was undertaken using one of the smaller telescopes at McDon-ald Observatory Drs Robin Ciardullo Caryl Gronwall and Jeong are now analyzingand publishing of the Pilot Survey results which are revealing the physical conditions ingalaxies billions of years in the past
Every ten years the US Astronomical Community produces a report that lists thehighest priorities for the next decade the top-ranked project for ground-based astronomyin the most recent document was the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) The LSSTwill be able to obtain images of approximately 50 of the sky every few nights providinginsights on issues ranging from our cosmic neighborhood (identifying and tracking ldquokillerasteroidsrdquo) to the most distant reaches of the universe (properties of Dark Energy) PennState has been an institutional member of this large international project since 2005 andhas been an active participant of the governance and science planning Dr Brandt is incharge of developing the plan for LSSTrsquoS deepest observations
The High-Energy Universe
High-energy astrophysics (X-rays and γ-rays) has long been one of Penn Statersquosstrengths The two signature projects are the design and construction of the primaryinstrument for the Chandra spacecraft one of NASArsquos ldquoGreat Observatoriesrdquo and PennStatersquos major role in NASArsquos Swift satellite which studies γ-ray bursts (GRBs) In ad-dition Dr Brandt is heavily involved in the NuSTAR (Nuclear Spectroscopic TelescopeArray) satellite program which began taking observations in 2012
Chandra launched in 1999 has provided our sharpest and deepest view of the X-rayuniverse Dr Brandt has led a series of studies that have revealed the characteristics ofhigh-energy emission from the first supermassive black holes to form in the universe HisldquoSix Megasecondrdquo image of a small piece of sky created with an exposure time of nearly70 days has revealed hundreds of faint X-ray sources The faintest objects are such thatthe X-ray instrument detects one photon from the source every two weeks
Penn State developed two of the three instruments on the Swift satellite and runsSwiftrsquos Mission Operations Center Center scientists Drs Peter Meszaros and Derek Foxhave made major contributions to this project Swift scans the sky for GRBs which arebrief flashes (timescale of a second) of extremely high-energy photons Within minutes ofdetecting a GRB Swift automatically points the onboard X-ray and optical telescopes to-wards the estimated direction of the event and immediately transmits an accurate positionof the event to observers around the world Despite the planned three-year operationallifetime after its 2004 launch NASA has repeatedly extended the mission because of therevolutionary scientific returns that Swift continues to produce
Swift discoveries include 1) the first precise locations of ldquoshortrdquo (less than a secondduration) GRBs providing solid support for the proposal that these GRBs are producedby mergers of two neutron stars 2) the first detection of the X-rays shock break-out from asupernova 3) the detection of long faint GRB which ground-based observations revealedto be the most distant known stellar object at a redshift of 93 4) the first observationsof a relativistic jet produced by the tidal disruption of star by a massive black hole5) discovering a GRB located at a distance of several billion light-years that was sobright it was visible to the naked eye for several seconds and 6) detection of a burst thatproduced for a few seconds an amount of electromagnetic energy that was comparable tothat of the entire rest of the universe
NuSTAR which is providing a view of the universe in the high X-ray regime is now inits third year of operations Dr Brandtrsquos group has led a number of studies based on thenew data that have provided insights into the properties and environments of supermassiveblack holes located in the centers of galaxies
Theoretical Cosmology at the Center
Dr Shanderarsquos research concentrates on the first moments of the universersquos existencein particular the period when the universe is thought to have undergone an incredibly rapidphase of expansion (the ldquoinflationrdquo theory) that occurred approximately 10minus35 s after theBig Bang Dr Shanderarsquos primary goals are to understand the nature of quantum fields inthis era and to identify observational signals that can test whether this inflationary phasedid indeed exist
Dr Lirsquos group has developed sophisticated computer codes incorporating detailedphysical processes and the large-scale evolution of structure in the universe to addresssome of the most pressing questions in cosmology ranging from the appearance of the firstsupermassive black holes in the universe to the formation of our own galaxy the MilkyWay
Dr Jeong is extensively involved in large-scale surveys (see above) but also is inves-tigating questions such as the applicability of Einsteinrsquos Theory of General Relativity overthe largest spans of distance and time in the universe and the nature of Dark Energy
The Annual Neighborhood Cosmology Conference
During the spring semesters in 2013 and 2014 the Center hosted a ldquoNeighborhoodCosmology Conferencerdquo that was attended by scientists from a number of local institutionsThis two-day affair brings together approximately 90 astronomers and physicists to discussthe latest developments in cosmology The vast majority of the attendees are students(undergraduate and graduate) and postdocs Institutions that have participated includeJohns Hopkins the University of Pennsylvania the University of Pittsburgh RutgersUniversity Carnegie Mellon University Case Western Reserve University and CornellUniversity In addition to the productive science exchanges the conference is a usefulrecruiting tool for the Physics and the Astronomy Departments
Special recognition is due to Dr Shandera and Ms Randi Neshteruk for their superborganizational efforts for the conferences
Conclusion
Center scientists have been at the forefront of cosmological research for more than adecade and their leadership roles in a number of major current and near-future projectspromises to maintain Penn Statersquos high profile in this exciting and important field Anindication of the Centerrsquos scientific impact is that since the Centerrsquos creation in mid-2011Center scientists have published 208 peer-reviewed papers these works have garnered 6570citations We expect that this rate of productivity will increase due to the addition of recentfaculty hires and as results are produced by the major new projects (NuStar SDSS-IVHETDEX) The Physics and the Astronomy Departments were both highly-ranked by the2010 National Research Councilrsquos review and the high-profile activity of the Center willplay an important role in maintaining and bolstering this reputation
13 13 13 13 13 13 The13 primary13 goal13 of13 our13 center13 is13 to13 foster13 research13 and13 education13 in13 some13 fundamental13 areas13 at13 the13 forefront13 of13 theoretical13 and13 mathematical13 physics13 These13 areas13 include13 theories13 that13 attempt13 to13 unify13 Einsteins13 theory13 of13 gravity13 and13 quantum13 mechanics13 general13 relativity13 and13 supergravity13 cosmology13 non-shy‐commutative13 geometry13 and13 related13 areas13 of13 mathematics13 and13 philosophy13 of13 science13 We13 have13 faculty13 members13 from13 Physics13 Mathematics13 as13 well13 as13 Philosophy13 Department13 13 13 The13 two13 leading13 approaches13 to13 quantum13 gravity13 are13 both13 represented13 at13 our13 center13 namely13 loop13 quantum13 gravity13 and13 string13 theory13 Loop13 quantum13 gravity13 which13 was13 developed13 mainly13 here13 at13 Penn13 State13 attempts13 to13 quantize13 gravity13 in13 four13 space-shy‐time13 dimensions13 by13 itself13 13 String13 theory13 is13 more13 ambitious13 and13 attempts13 to13 unify13 all13 known13 forces13 of13 nature13 including13 gravity13 in13 a13 quantum13 mechanically13 consistent13 framework13 13 Penn13 State13 is13 the13 only13 US13 institution13 where13 both13 of13 these13 approaches13 are13 being13 developed13 13 13 At13 any13 given13 time13 the13 researchers13 in13 our13 center13 work13 on13 many13 exciting13 and13 interesting13 problems13 Currently13 we13 have13 a13 major13 research13 activity13 on13 loop13 quantum13 cosmology13 which13 was13 initiated13 and13 largely13 developed13 here13 in13 our13 center13 by13 Martin13 Bojowald13 Abhay13 Ashtekar13 and13 their13 coworkers13 13 By13 now13 this13 is13 a13 very13 active13 area13 of13 research13 among13 physicists13 that13 work13 on13 loop13 quantum13 gravity13 worldwide13 13 The13 original13 singularity13 of13 the13 classical13 theory13 of13 general13 relativity13 corresponding13 to13 the13 big13 bang13 gets13 resolved13 due13 to13 quantum13
effects13 and13 the13 big13 bang13 and13 big13 crunch13 singularities13 are13 replaced13 by13 big13 bounces13 in13 some13 of13 the13 loop13 quantum13 cosmology13 models13 13 13 The13 researchers13 in13 this13 field13 are13 currently13 trying13 to13 understand13 the13 physics13 of13 the13 early13 universe13 and13 thereby13 explain13 the13 current13 cosmological13 observations13 such13 as13 the13 large-shy‐scale13 structure13 of13 the13 observed13 universe13 13 13 Another13 current13 major13 research13 area13 in13 the13 center13 is13 the13 work13 on13 scattering13 amplitude13 calculations13 in13 supergravity13 theories13 and13 study13 of13 their13 finiteness13 properties13 13 Supergravity13 theories13 are13 extensions13 of13 Einsteinrsquos13 theory13 of13 general13 relativity13 whose13 quantization13 leads13 to13 additional13 particles13 other13 than13 the13 graviton13 which13 mediates13 the13 gravitational13 force13 13 Through13 a13 remarkable13 tour13 de13 force13 of13 technical13 calculation13 Radu13 Roiban13 and13 his13 co-shy‐workers13 showed13 that13 the13 maximal13 supergravity13 is13 finite13 up13 to13 four13 loops13 in13 perturbative13 quantum13 theory13 13 This13 was13 an13 unexpected13 result13 since13 the13 perturbative13 quantization13 of13 Einsteinrsquos13 general13 relativity13 leads13 to13 incurable13 infinities13 already13 at13 two13 loops13 This13 work13 has13 been13 one13 of13 the13 main13 motivators13 for13 the13 exciting13 and13 important13 developments13 in13 the13 field13 of13 amplitude13 calculations13 in13 supergravity13 and13 supersymmetric13 field13 theories13 in13 recent13 years13 13 13 One13 of13 our13 main13 activities13 is13 to13 organize13 workshops13 on13 recent13 exciting13 developments13 in13 areas13 represented13 in13 our13 Center13 These13 workshops13 have13 been13 very13 successful13 and13 contributed13 to13 the13 visibility13 of13 our13 Center13 greatly13 by13 bringing13 leading13 scientists13 working13 in13 these13 areas13 to13 Penn13 State13 They13 also13 foster13 the13 synergy13 in13 the13 Center13 For13 example13 last13 year13 M13 Bojowald13 M13 Gunaydin13 and13 P13 Xu13 organized13 a13 workshop13 on13 Non-shy‐Associativity13 in13 Physics13 and13 Related13 Mathematical13 Structures13 that13 brought13 together13 physicists13 and13 mathematicians13 including13 a13 field13 medalist13 13 Similarly13 in13 201313 A13 Ashtekar13 G13 Fleming13 and13 E13 Grosholz13 organized13 a13 workshop13 on13 Cosmology13 and13 Time13 that13 brought13 physicists13 and13 philosophers13 together13 We13 also13 initiated13 a13 series13 of13 workshops13 rotating13 between13 Penn13 State13 the13 Albert13 Einstein13 Institute13 in13 Potsdam13 Germany13 Cambridge13 University13 Imperial13 College13 and13 Texas13 AampM13 University13 13 13 13 Murat13 Gunaydin13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 February13 1613 201513
- Agenda
- 15rep-cavener
- Letter to the editor_ Lecture was outstanding _ Letters to the Editor _ CentreDaily
- governance-13
- CPGA-Highlights
- AMON Slides for Dean Cavener
-
- Pages from AMON_Statuspdf
- Pages from AMON_Status-2pdf
- Pages from AMON_Status-3pdf
- AMON MoU Listpdf
-
- ctocshort
- CFT_2015
-
The
AM
ON
Idea
13 13 13 13 13 13 Triggering13 observatories13 13 bull Provide13 sub-shy‐threshold13
candidate13 events13 to13 AMON13 in13 real13 me13
The13 AMON13 Idea13
bull Seeks13 coincidences13 in13 me13 and13 space13 bull Generates13 alerts13 -shy‐13 broadcast13 and13 archived13 bull Enables13 archival13 analyses13
bull respond13 to13 AMON13 alerts13
413 AMON13
ν13 ϒ13
gw13 n13
Use13 messenger13 parcles13 of13 all13 four13 fundamental13 forces13
x13 UV13 opcal13 13
ϒ13
AMON13
Follow-shy‐up13 observatories13 13
The
AM
ON
Idea
13
513 AMON13
The13 AMON13 Idea13
Future13
Status13 quo13
Many13 bilateral13 agreements13 among13 various13 observatories13 and13 cross-shy‐collaborave13 analyses13 13 No13 unified13 mullateral13 agreement13 and13 unified13 13 analyses13 of13 mulmessenger13 data13 13 Mostly13 unidireconal13 13 13
AMON13 serves13 as13 a13 central13 hub13 for13 collecng13 data13 from13 various13 mulmessenger13 facilies13 13 Performs13 unified13 analyses13 on13 mulmessenger13 data13 13 13 Gain13 in13 effecve13 aggregate13 sensivity13 13 Simplified13 protocols13 of13 cross-shy‐collaborave13 analyses13
AM
ON
Netw
ork13
613 14-shy‐12-shy‐1013 AMON13
13 13 13 13 13 613 Memoranda13 of13 Understandings13 (MoUs)13 signed13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 113 MoU13 in13 review13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 213 more13 leYer13 of13 collaboraon13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 many13 more13 in13 the13 future13 13
Triggering13 13 IceCube13 ANTARES13 Auger13 HAWC13 VERITAS13 SwiG13 BAThellip13 13 13 13
Follow-shy‐up13 13 SwiG13 XRT13 ampUVOT13 VERITAS13 13
hYpamongravitypsuedu13 13
AstropPhys13 Vol13 4513 56ndash7013 201313 13
Overview for the Center for Theoretical and Observational Cosmology
The study of the large-scale properties and evolution of the cosmos is one of the mostintellectually challenging and exciting scientific endeavors of the early 21st century Thisfield of research addresses the most fundamental questions that can be posed and is one ofgreat public interest Scientists at the Center for Theoretical and Observational Cosmologyare engaged in a wide variety of activities frequently holding scientific leadership positionsin large international collaborations that are probing the basic properties of the universeThe Centerrsquos research efforts are concentrated in Wide-Area Cosmological Surveys theHigh-Energy Universe and Theoretical Investigations of the conditions in the extremelyearly universe and the formation and evolution of large structures throughout cosmic time
Wide-Area Cosmological Surveys
The foundation of these recent advances are the wide-area (covering a significant frac-tion of the sky) high-quality surveys that have been undertaken in the past two decadesThe most prominent of these projects is the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) The SDSSobservations of galaxies and quasars allowed the construction of detailed maps of the dis-tribution of matter in the universe the structures that are detected are some of the mostimportant constraints on theoretical models of the properties and evolution of the universe
During SDSSrsquos first decade Penn State scientists were in charge of the quasar scienceof the survey On several occasions during this period the SDSS quasar team identified themost distant known object in the universe and discovered (after astronomers had searchedfor nearly 40 years) the era when the intergalactic medium transitioned from a neutral toan ionized state Penn State has joined the fourth phase (which started on 1 July 2014)as an institutional member Drs Niel Brandt and Michael Eracleous (observational) andSarah Shandera and Donghui Jeong (theoretical) are actively engaged in SDSS-IV
Penn State is playing an important part in another large cosmological survey theHobby-Eberly Telescope Dark Energy Experiment (HETDEX) which should begin obser-vations in late 2015 The goal of this multi-year project is to identify approximately onemillion galaxies in the era when the universe was only a quarter of its current linear sizerevealing information about the rate of expansion of the universe at that time and providea key constraint on cosmological models In preparation for this ambitious project theHETDEX Pilot Survey was undertaken using one of the smaller telescopes at McDon-ald Observatory Drs Robin Ciardullo Caryl Gronwall and Jeong are now analyzingand publishing of the Pilot Survey results which are revealing the physical conditions ingalaxies billions of years in the past
Every ten years the US Astronomical Community produces a report that lists thehighest priorities for the next decade the top-ranked project for ground-based astronomyin the most recent document was the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) The LSSTwill be able to obtain images of approximately 50 of the sky every few nights providinginsights on issues ranging from our cosmic neighborhood (identifying and tracking ldquokillerasteroidsrdquo) to the most distant reaches of the universe (properties of Dark Energy) PennState has been an institutional member of this large international project since 2005 andhas been an active participant of the governance and science planning Dr Brandt is incharge of developing the plan for LSSTrsquoS deepest observations
The High-Energy Universe
High-energy astrophysics (X-rays and γ-rays) has long been one of Penn Statersquosstrengths The two signature projects are the design and construction of the primaryinstrument for the Chandra spacecraft one of NASArsquos ldquoGreat Observatoriesrdquo and PennStatersquos major role in NASArsquos Swift satellite which studies γ-ray bursts (GRBs) In ad-dition Dr Brandt is heavily involved in the NuSTAR (Nuclear Spectroscopic TelescopeArray) satellite program which began taking observations in 2012
Chandra launched in 1999 has provided our sharpest and deepest view of the X-rayuniverse Dr Brandt has led a series of studies that have revealed the characteristics ofhigh-energy emission from the first supermassive black holes to form in the universe HisldquoSix Megasecondrdquo image of a small piece of sky created with an exposure time of nearly70 days has revealed hundreds of faint X-ray sources The faintest objects are such thatthe X-ray instrument detects one photon from the source every two weeks
Penn State developed two of the three instruments on the Swift satellite and runsSwiftrsquos Mission Operations Center Center scientists Drs Peter Meszaros and Derek Foxhave made major contributions to this project Swift scans the sky for GRBs which arebrief flashes (timescale of a second) of extremely high-energy photons Within minutes ofdetecting a GRB Swift automatically points the onboard X-ray and optical telescopes to-wards the estimated direction of the event and immediately transmits an accurate positionof the event to observers around the world Despite the planned three-year operationallifetime after its 2004 launch NASA has repeatedly extended the mission because of therevolutionary scientific returns that Swift continues to produce
Swift discoveries include 1) the first precise locations of ldquoshortrdquo (less than a secondduration) GRBs providing solid support for the proposal that these GRBs are producedby mergers of two neutron stars 2) the first detection of the X-rays shock break-out from asupernova 3) the detection of long faint GRB which ground-based observations revealedto be the most distant known stellar object at a redshift of 93 4) the first observationsof a relativistic jet produced by the tidal disruption of star by a massive black hole5) discovering a GRB located at a distance of several billion light-years that was sobright it was visible to the naked eye for several seconds and 6) detection of a burst thatproduced for a few seconds an amount of electromagnetic energy that was comparable tothat of the entire rest of the universe
NuSTAR which is providing a view of the universe in the high X-ray regime is now inits third year of operations Dr Brandtrsquos group has led a number of studies based on thenew data that have provided insights into the properties and environments of supermassiveblack holes located in the centers of galaxies
Theoretical Cosmology at the Center
Dr Shanderarsquos research concentrates on the first moments of the universersquos existencein particular the period when the universe is thought to have undergone an incredibly rapidphase of expansion (the ldquoinflationrdquo theory) that occurred approximately 10minus35 s after theBig Bang Dr Shanderarsquos primary goals are to understand the nature of quantum fields inthis era and to identify observational signals that can test whether this inflationary phasedid indeed exist
Dr Lirsquos group has developed sophisticated computer codes incorporating detailedphysical processes and the large-scale evolution of structure in the universe to addresssome of the most pressing questions in cosmology ranging from the appearance of the firstsupermassive black holes in the universe to the formation of our own galaxy the MilkyWay
Dr Jeong is extensively involved in large-scale surveys (see above) but also is inves-tigating questions such as the applicability of Einsteinrsquos Theory of General Relativity overthe largest spans of distance and time in the universe and the nature of Dark Energy
The Annual Neighborhood Cosmology Conference
During the spring semesters in 2013 and 2014 the Center hosted a ldquoNeighborhoodCosmology Conferencerdquo that was attended by scientists from a number of local institutionsThis two-day affair brings together approximately 90 astronomers and physicists to discussthe latest developments in cosmology The vast majority of the attendees are students(undergraduate and graduate) and postdocs Institutions that have participated includeJohns Hopkins the University of Pennsylvania the University of Pittsburgh RutgersUniversity Carnegie Mellon University Case Western Reserve University and CornellUniversity In addition to the productive science exchanges the conference is a usefulrecruiting tool for the Physics and the Astronomy Departments
Special recognition is due to Dr Shandera and Ms Randi Neshteruk for their superborganizational efforts for the conferences
Conclusion
Center scientists have been at the forefront of cosmological research for more than adecade and their leadership roles in a number of major current and near-future projectspromises to maintain Penn Statersquos high profile in this exciting and important field Anindication of the Centerrsquos scientific impact is that since the Centerrsquos creation in mid-2011Center scientists have published 208 peer-reviewed papers these works have garnered 6570citations We expect that this rate of productivity will increase due to the addition of recentfaculty hires and as results are produced by the major new projects (NuStar SDSS-IVHETDEX) The Physics and the Astronomy Departments were both highly-ranked by the2010 National Research Councilrsquos review and the high-profile activity of the Center willplay an important role in maintaining and bolstering this reputation
13 13 13 13 13 13 The13 primary13 goal13 of13 our13 center13 is13 to13 foster13 research13 and13 education13 in13 some13 fundamental13 areas13 at13 the13 forefront13 of13 theoretical13 and13 mathematical13 physics13 These13 areas13 include13 theories13 that13 attempt13 to13 unify13 Einsteins13 theory13 of13 gravity13 and13 quantum13 mechanics13 general13 relativity13 and13 supergravity13 cosmology13 non-shy‐commutative13 geometry13 and13 related13 areas13 of13 mathematics13 and13 philosophy13 of13 science13 We13 have13 faculty13 members13 from13 Physics13 Mathematics13 as13 well13 as13 Philosophy13 Department13 13 13 The13 two13 leading13 approaches13 to13 quantum13 gravity13 are13 both13 represented13 at13 our13 center13 namely13 loop13 quantum13 gravity13 and13 string13 theory13 Loop13 quantum13 gravity13 which13 was13 developed13 mainly13 here13 at13 Penn13 State13 attempts13 to13 quantize13 gravity13 in13 four13 space-shy‐time13 dimensions13 by13 itself13 13 String13 theory13 is13 more13 ambitious13 and13 attempts13 to13 unify13 all13 known13 forces13 of13 nature13 including13 gravity13 in13 a13 quantum13 mechanically13 consistent13 framework13 13 Penn13 State13 is13 the13 only13 US13 institution13 where13 both13 of13 these13 approaches13 are13 being13 developed13 13 13 At13 any13 given13 time13 the13 researchers13 in13 our13 center13 work13 on13 many13 exciting13 and13 interesting13 problems13 Currently13 we13 have13 a13 major13 research13 activity13 on13 loop13 quantum13 cosmology13 which13 was13 initiated13 and13 largely13 developed13 here13 in13 our13 center13 by13 Martin13 Bojowald13 Abhay13 Ashtekar13 and13 their13 coworkers13 13 By13 now13 this13 is13 a13 very13 active13 area13 of13 research13 among13 physicists13 that13 work13 on13 loop13 quantum13 gravity13 worldwide13 13 The13 original13 singularity13 of13 the13 classical13 theory13 of13 general13 relativity13 corresponding13 to13 the13 big13 bang13 gets13 resolved13 due13 to13 quantum13
effects13 and13 the13 big13 bang13 and13 big13 crunch13 singularities13 are13 replaced13 by13 big13 bounces13 in13 some13 of13 the13 loop13 quantum13 cosmology13 models13 13 13 The13 researchers13 in13 this13 field13 are13 currently13 trying13 to13 understand13 the13 physics13 of13 the13 early13 universe13 and13 thereby13 explain13 the13 current13 cosmological13 observations13 such13 as13 the13 large-shy‐scale13 structure13 of13 the13 observed13 universe13 13 13 Another13 current13 major13 research13 area13 in13 the13 center13 is13 the13 work13 on13 scattering13 amplitude13 calculations13 in13 supergravity13 theories13 and13 study13 of13 their13 finiteness13 properties13 13 Supergravity13 theories13 are13 extensions13 of13 Einsteinrsquos13 theory13 of13 general13 relativity13 whose13 quantization13 leads13 to13 additional13 particles13 other13 than13 the13 graviton13 which13 mediates13 the13 gravitational13 force13 13 Through13 a13 remarkable13 tour13 de13 force13 of13 technical13 calculation13 Radu13 Roiban13 and13 his13 co-shy‐workers13 showed13 that13 the13 maximal13 supergravity13 is13 finite13 up13 to13 four13 loops13 in13 perturbative13 quantum13 theory13 13 This13 was13 an13 unexpected13 result13 since13 the13 perturbative13 quantization13 of13 Einsteinrsquos13 general13 relativity13 leads13 to13 incurable13 infinities13 already13 at13 two13 loops13 This13 work13 has13 been13 one13 of13 the13 main13 motivators13 for13 the13 exciting13 and13 important13 developments13 in13 the13 field13 of13 amplitude13 calculations13 in13 supergravity13 and13 supersymmetric13 field13 theories13 in13 recent13 years13 13 13 One13 of13 our13 main13 activities13 is13 to13 organize13 workshops13 on13 recent13 exciting13 developments13 in13 areas13 represented13 in13 our13 Center13 These13 workshops13 have13 been13 very13 successful13 and13 contributed13 to13 the13 visibility13 of13 our13 Center13 greatly13 by13 bringing13 leading13 scientists13 working13 in13 these13 areas13 to13 Penn13 State13 They13 also13 foster13 the13 synergy13 in13 the13 Center13 For13 example13 last13 year13 M13 Bojowald13 M13 Gunaydin13 and13 P13 Xu13 organized13 a13 workshop13 on13 Non-shy‐Associativity13 in13 Physics13 and13 Related13 Mathematical13 Structures13 that13 brought13 together13 physicists13 and13 mathematicians13 including13 a13 field13 medalist13 13 Similarly13 in13 201313 A13 Ashtekar13 G13 Fleming13 and13 E13 Grosholz13 organized13 a13 workshop13 on13 Cosmology13 and13 Time13 that13 brought13 physicists13 and13 philosophers13 together13 We13 also13 initiated13 a13 series13 of13 workshops13 rotating13 between13 Penn13 State13 the13 Albert13 Einstein13 Institute13 in13 Potsdam13 Germany13 Cambridge13 University13 Imperial13 College13 and13 Texas13 AampM13 University13 13 13 13 Murat13 Gunaydin13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 February13 1613 201513
- Agenda
- 15rep-cavener
- Letter to the editor_ Lecture was outstanding _ Letters to the Editor _ CentreDaily
- governance-13
- CPGA-Highlights
- AMON Slides for Dean Cavener
-
- Pages from AMON_Statuspdf
- Pages from AMON_Status-2pdf
- Pages from AMON_Status-3pdf
- AMON MoU Listpdf
-
- ctocshort
- CFT_2015
-
The
AM
ON
Idea
13
513 AMON13
The13 AMON13 Idea13
Future13
Status13 quo13
Many13 bilateral13 agreements13 among13 various13 observatories13 and13 cross-shy‐collaborave13 analyses13 13 No13 unified13 mullateral13 agreement13 and13 unified13 13 analyses13 of13 mulmessenger13 data13 13 Mostly13 unidireconal13 13 13
AMON13 serves13 as13 a13 central13 hub13 for13 collecng13 data13 from13 various13 mulmessenger13 facilies13 13 Performs13 unified13 analyses13 on13 mulmessenger13 data13 13 13 Gain13 in13 effecve13 aggregate13 sensivity13 13 Simplified13 protocols13 of13 cross-shy‐collaborave13 analyses13
AM
ON
Netw
ork13
613 14-shy‐12-shy‐1013 AMON13
13 13 13 13 13 613 Memoranda13 of13 Understandings13 (MoUs)13 signed13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 113 MoU13 in13 review13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 213 more13 leYer13 of13 collaboraon13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 many13 more13 in13 the13 future13 13
Triggering13 13 IceCube13 ANTARES13 Auger13 HAWC13 VERITAS13 SwiG13 BAThellip13 13 13 13
Follow-shy‐up13 13 SwiG13 XRT13 ampUVOT13 VERITAS13 13
hYpamongravitypsuedu13 13
AstropPhys13 Vol13 4513 56ndash7013 201313 13
Overview for the Center for Theoretical and Observational Cosmology
The study of the large-scale properties and evolution of the cosmos is one of the mostintellectually challenging and exciting scientific endeavors of the early 21st century Thisfield of research addresses the most fundamental questions that can be posed and is one ofgreat public interest Scientists at the Center for Theoretical and Observational Cosmologyare engaged in a wide variety of activities frequently holding scientific leadership positionsin large international collaborations that are probing the basic properties of the universeThe Centerrsquos research efforts are concentrated in Wide-Area Cosmological Surveys theHigh-Energy Universe and Theoretical Investigations of the conditions in the extremelyearly universe and the formation and evolution of large structures throughout cosmic time
Wide-Area Cosmological Surveys
The foundation of these recent advances are the wide-area (covering a significant frac-tion of the sky) high-quality surveys that have been undertaken in the past two decadesThe most prominent of these projects is the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) The SDSSobservations of galaxies and quasars allowed the construction of detailed maps of the dis-tribution of matter in the universe the structures that are detected are some of the mostimportant constraints on theoretical models of the properties and evolution of the universe
During SDSSrsquos first decade Penn State scientists were in charge of the quasar scienceof the survey On several occasions during this period the SDSS quasar team identified themost distant known object in the universe and discovered (after astronomers had searchedfor nearly 40 years) the era when the intergalactic medium transitioned from a neutral toan ionized state Penn State has joined the fourth phase (which started on 1 July 2014)as an institutional member Drs Niel Brandt and Michael Eracleous (observational) andSarah Shandera and Donghui Jeong (theoretical) are actively engaged in SDSS-IV
Penn State is playing an important part in another large cosmological survey theHobby-Eberly Telescope Dark Energy Experiment (HETDEX) which should begin obser-vations in late 2015 The goal of this multi-year project is to identify approximately onemillion galaxies in the era when the universe was only a quarter of its current linear sizerevealing information about the rate of expansion of the universe at that time and providea key constraint on cosmological models In preparation for this ambitious project theHETDEX Pilot Survey was undertaken using one of the smaller telescopes at McDon-ald Observatory Drs Robin Ciardullo Caryl Gronwall and Jeong are now analyzingand publishing of the Pilot Survey results which are revealing the physical conditions ingalaxies billions of years in the past
Every ten years the US Astronomical Community produces a report that lists thehighest priorities for the next decade the top-ranked project for ground-based astronomyin the most recent document was the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) The LSSTwill be able to obtain images of approximately 50 of the sky every few nights providinginsights on issues ranging from our cosmic neighborhood (identifying and tracking ldquokillerasteroidsrdquo) to the most distant reaches of the universe (properties of Dark Energy) PennState has been an institutional member of this large international project since 2005 andhas been an active participant of the governance and science planning Dr Brandt is incharge of developing the plan for LSSTrsquoS deepest observations
The High-Energy Universe
High-energy astrophysics (X-rays and γ-rays) has long been one of Penn Statersquosstrengths The two signature projects are the design and construction of the primaryinstrument for the Chandra spacecraft one of NASArsquos ldquoGreat Observatoriesrdquo and PennStatersquos major role in NASArsquos Swift satellite which studies γ-ray bursts (GRBs) In ad-dition Dr Brandt is heavily involved in the NuSTAR (Nuclear Spectroscopic TelescopeArray) satellite program which began taking observations in 2012
Chandra launched in 1999 has provided our sharpest and deepest view of the X-rayuniverse Dr Brandt has led a series of studies that have revealed the characteristics ofhigh-energy emission from the first supermassive black holes to form in the universe HisldquoSix Megasecondrdquo image of a small piece of sky created with an exposure time of nearly70 days has revealed hundreds of faint X-ray sources The faintest objects are such thatthe X-ray instrument detects one photon from the source every two weeks
Penn State developed two of the three instruments on the Swift satellite and runsSwiftrsquos Mission Operations Center Center scientists Drs Peter Meszaros and Derek Foxhave made major contributions to this project Swift scans the sky for GRBs which arebrief flashes (timescale of a second) of extremely high-energy photons Within minutes ofdetecting a GRB Swift automatically points the onboard X-ray and optical telescopes to-wards the estimated direction of the event and immediately transmits an accurate positionof the event to observers around the world Despite the planned three-year operationallifetime after its 2004 launch NASA has repeatedly extended the mission because of therevolutionary scientific returns that Swift continues to produce
Swift discoveries include 1) the first precise locations of ldquoshortrdquo (less than a secondduration) GRBs providing solid support for the proposal that these GRBs are producedby mergers of two neutron stars 2) the first detection of the X-rays shock break-out from asupernova 3) the detection of long faint GRB which ground-based observations revealedto be the most distant known stellar object at a redshift of 93 4) the first observationsof a relativistic jet produced by the tidal disruption of star by a massive black hole5) discovering a GRB located at a distance of several billion light-years that was sobright it was visible to the naked eye for several seconds and 6) detection of a burst thatproduced for a few seconds an amount of electromagnetic energy that was comparable tothat of the entire rest of the universe
NuSTAR which is providing a view of the universe in the high X-ray regime is now inits third year of operations Dr Brandtrsquos group has led a number of studies based on thenew data that have provided insights into the properties and environments of supermassiveblack holes located in the centers of galaxies
Theoretical Cosmology at the Center
Dr Shanderarsquos research concentrates on the first moments of the universersquos existencein particular the period when the universe is thought to have undergone an incredibly rapidphase of expansion (the ldquoinflationrdquo theory) that occurred approximately 10minus35 s after theBig Bang Dr Shanderarsquos primary goals are to understand the nature of quantum fields inthis era and to identify observational signals that can test whether this inflationary phasedid indeed exist
Dr Lirsquos group has developed sophisticated computer codes incorporating detailedphysical processes and the large-scale evolution of structure in the universe to addresssome of the most pressing questions in cosmology ranging from the appearance of the firstsupermassive black holes in the universe to the formation of our own galaxy the MilkyWay
Dr Jeong is extensively involved in large-scale surveys (see above) but also is inves-tigating questions such as the applicability of Einsteinrsquos Theory of General Relativity overthe largest spans of distance and time in the universe and the nature of Dark Energy
The Annual Neighborhood Cosmology Conference
During the spring semesters in 2013 and 2014 the Center hosted a ldquoNeighborhoodCosmology Conferencerdquo that was attended by scientists from a number of local institutionsThis two-day affair brings together approximately 90 astronomers and physicists to discussthe latest developments in cosmology The vast majority of the attendees are students(undergraduate and graduate) and postdocs Institutions that have participated includeJohns Hopkins the University of Pennsylvania the University of Pittsburgh RutgersUniversity Carnegie Mellon University Case Western Reserve University and CornellUniversity In addition to the productive science exchanges the conference is a usefulrecruiting tool for the Physics and the Astronomy Departments
Special recognition is due to Dr Shandera and Ms Randi Neshteruk for their superborganizational efforts for the conferences
Conclusion
Center scientists have been at the forefront of cosmological research for more than adecade and their leadership roles in a number of major current and near-future projectspromises to maintain Penn Statersquos high profile in this exciting and important field Anindication of the Centerrsquos scientific impact is that since the Centerrsquos creation in mid-2011Center scientists have published 208 peer-reviewed papers these works have garnered 6570citations We expect that this rate of productivity will increase due to the addition of recentfaculty hires and as results are produced by the major new projects (NuStar SDSS-IVHETDEX) The Physics and the Astronomy Departments were both highly-ranked by the2010 National Research Councilrsquos review and the high-profile activity of the Center willplay an important role in maintaining and bolstering this reputation
13 13 13 13 13 13 The13 primary13 goal13 of13 our13 center13 is13 to13 foster13 research13 and13 education13 in13 some13 fundamental13 areas13 at13 the13 forefront13 of13 theoretical13 and13 mathematical13 physics13 These13 areas13 include13 theories13 that13 attempt13 to13 unify13 Einsteins13 theory13 of13 gravity13 and13 quantum13 mechanics13 general13 relativity13 and13 supergravity13 cosmology13 non-shy‐commutative13 geometry13 and13 related13 areas13 of13 mathematics13 and13 philosophy13 of13 science13 We13 have13 faculty13 members13 from13 Physics13 Mathematics13 as13 well13 as13 Philosophy13 Department13 13 13 The13 two13 leading13 approaches13 to13 quantum13 gravity13 are13 both13 represented13 at13 our13 center13 namely13 loop13 quantum13 gravity13 and13 string13 theory13 Loop13 quantum13 gravity13 which13 was13 developed13 mainly13 here13 at13 Penn13 State13 attempts13 to13 quantize13 gravity13 in13 four13 space-shy‐time13 dimensions13 by13 itself13 13 String13 theory13 is13 more13 ambitious13 and13 attempts13 to13 unify13 all13 known13 forces13 of13 nature13 including13 gravity13 in13 a13 quantum13 mechanically13 consistent13 framework13 13 Penn13 State13 is13 the13 only13 US13 institution13 where13 both13 of13 these13 approaches13 are13 being13 developed13 13 13 At13 any13 given13 time13 the13 researchers13 in13 our13 center13 work13 on13 many13 exciting13 and13 interesting13 problems13 Currently13 we13 have13 a13 major13 research13 activity13 on13 loop13 quantum13 cosmology13 which13 was13 initiated13 and13 largely13 developed13 here13 in13 our13 center13 by13 Martin13 Bojowald13 Abhay13 Ashtekar13 and13 their13 coworkers13 13 By13 now13 this13 is13 a13 very13 active13 area13 of13 research13 among13 physicists13 that13 work13 on13 loop13 quantum13 gravity13 worldwide13 13 The13 original13 singularity13 of13 the13 classical13 theory13 of13 general13 relativity13 corresponding13 to13 the13 big13 bang13 gets13 resolved13 due13 to13 quantum13
effects13 and13 the13 big13 bang13 and13 big13 crunch13 singularities13 are13 replaced13 by13 big13 bounces13 in13 some13 of13 the13 loop13 quantum13 cosmology13 models13 13 13 The13 researchers13 in13 this13 field13 are13 currently13 trying13 to13 understand13 the13 physics13 of13 the13 early13 universe13 and13 thereby13 explain13 the13 current13 cosmological13 observations13 such13 as13 the13 large-shy‐scale13 structure13 of13 the13 observed13 universe13 13 13 Another13 current13 major13 research13 area13 in13 the13 center13 is13 the13 work13 on13 scattering13 amplitude13 calculations13 in13 supergravity13 theories13 and13 study13 of13 their13 finiteness13 properties13 13 Supergravity13 theories13 are13 extensions13 of13 Einsteinrsquos13 theory13 of13 general13 relativity13 whose13 quantization13 leads13 to13 additional13 particles13 other13 than13 the13 graviton13 which13 mediates13 the13 gravitational13 force13 13 Through13 a13 remarkable13 tour13 de13 force13 of13 technical13 calculation13 Radu13 Roiban13 and13 his13 co-shy‐workers13 showed13 that13 the13 maximal13 supergravity13 is13 finite13 up13 to13 four13 loops13 in13 perturbative13 quantum13 theory13 13 This13 was13 an13 unexpected13 result13 since13 the13 perturbative13 quantization13 of13 Einsteinrsquos13 general13 relativity13 leads13 to13 incurable13 infinities13 already13 at13 two13 loops13 This13 work13 has13 been13 one13 of13 the13 main13 motivators13 for13 the13 exciting13 and13 important13 developments13 in13 the13 field13 of13 amplitude13 calculations13 in13 supergravity13 and13 supersymmetric13 field13 theories13 in13 recent13 years13 13 13 One13 of13 our13 main13 activities13 is13 to13 organize13 workshops13 on13 recent13 exciting13 developments13 in13 areas13 represented13 in13 our13 Center13 These13 workshops13 have13 been13 very13 successful13 and13 contributed13 to13 the13 visibility13 of13 our13 Center13 greatly13 by13 bringing13 leading13 scientists13 working13 in13 these13 areas13 to13 Penn13 State13 They13 also13 foster13 the13 synergy13 in13 the13 Center13 For13 example13 last13 year13 M13 Bojowald13 M13 Gunaydin13 and13 P13 Xu13 organized13 a13 workshop13 on13 Non-shy‐Associativity13 in13 Physics13 and13 Related13 Mathematical13 Structures13 that13 brought13 together13 physicists13 and13 mathematicians13 including13 a13 field13 medalist13 13 Similarly13 in13 201313 A13 Ashtekar13 G13 Fleming13 and13 E13 Grosholz13 organized13 a13 workshop13 on13 Cosmology13 and13 Time13 that13 brought13 physicists13 and13 philosophers13 together13 We13 also13 initiated13 a13 series13 of13 workshops13 rotating13 between13 Penn13 State13 the13 Albert13 Einstein13 Institute13 in13 Potsdam13 Germany13 Cambridge13 University13 Imperial13 College13 and13 Texas13 AampM13 University13 13 13 13 Murat13 Gunaydin13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 February13 1613 201513
- Agenda
- 15rep-cavener
- Letter to the editor_ Lecture was outstanding _ Letters to the Editor _ CentreDaily
- governance-13
- CPGA-Highlights
- AMON Slides for Dean Cavener
-
- Pages from AMON_Statuspdf
- Pages from AMON_Status-2pdf
- Pages from AMON_Status-3pdf
- AMON MoU Listpdf
-
- ctocshort
- CFT_2015
-
AM
ON
Netw
ork13
613 14-shy‐12-shy‐1013 AMON13
13 13 13 13 13 613 Memoranda13 of13 Understandings13 (MoUs)13 signed13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 113 MoU13 in13 review13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 213 more13 leYer13 of13 collaboraon13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 +13 many13 more13 in13 the13 future13 13
Triggering13 13 IceCube13 ANTARES13 Auger13 HAWC13 VERITAS13 SwiG13 BAThellip13 13 13 13
Follow-shy‐up13 13 SwiG13 XRT13 ampUVOT13 VERITAS13 13
hYpamongravitypsuedu13 13
AstropPhys13 Vol13 4513 56ndash7013 201313 13
Overview for the Center for Theoretical and Observational Cosmology
The study of the large-scale properties and evolution of the cosmos is one of the mostintellectually challenging and exciting scientific endeavors of the early 21st century Thisfield of research addresses the most fundamental questions that can be posed and is one ofgreat public interest Scientists at the Center for Theoretical and Observational Cosmologyare engaged in a wide variety of activities frequently holding scientific leadership positionsin large international collaborations that are probing the basic properties of the universeThe Centerrsquos research efforts are concentrated in Wide-Area Cosmological Surveys theHigh-Energy Universe and Theoretical Investigations of the conditions in the extremelyearly universe and the formation and evolution of large structures throughout cosmic time
Wide-Area Cosmological Surveys
The foundation of these recent advances are the wide-area (covering a significant frac-tion of the sky) high-quality surveys that have been undertaken in the past two decadesThe most prominent of these projects is the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) The SDSSobservations of galaxies and quasars allowed the construction of detailed maps of the dis-tribution of matter in the universe the structures that are detected are some of the mostimportant constraints on theoretical models of the properties and evolution of the universe
During SDSSrsquos first decade Penn State scientists were in charge of the quasar scienceof the survey On several occasions during this period the SDSS quasar team identified themost distant known object in the universe and discovered (after astronomers had searchedfor nearly 40 years) the era when the intergalactic medium transitioned from a neutral toan ionized state Penn State has joined the fourth phase (which started on 1 July 2014)as an institutional member Drs Niel Brandt and Michael Eracleous (observational) andSarah Shandera and Donghui Jeong (theoretical) are actively engaged in SDSS-IV
Penn State is playing an important part in another large cosmological survey theHobby-Eberly Telescope Dark Energy Experiment (HETDEX) which should begin obser-vations in late 2015 The goal of this multi-year project is to identify approximately onemillion galaxies in the era when the universe was only a quarter of its current linear sizerevealing information about the rate of expansion of the universe at that time and providea key constraint on cosmological models In preparation for this ambitious project theHETDEX Pilot Survey was undertaken using one of the smaller telescopes at McDon-ald Observatory Drs Robin Ciardullo Caryl Gronwall and Jeong are now analyzingand publishing of the Pilot Survey results which are revealing the physical conditions ingalaxies billions of years in the past
Every ten years the US Astronomical Community produces a report that lists thehighest priorities for the next decade the top-ranked project for ground-based astronomyin the most recent document was the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) The LSSTwill be able to obtain images of approximately 50 of the sky every few nights providinginsights on issues ranging from our cosmic neighborhood (identifying and tracking ldquokillerasteroidsrdquo) to the most distant reaches of the universe (properties of Dark Energy) PennState has been an institutional member of this large international project since 2005 andhas been an active participant of the governance and science planning Dr Brandt is incharge of developing the plan for LSSTrsquoS deepest observations
The High-Energy Universe
High-energy astrophysics (X-rays and γ-rays) has long been one of Penn Statersquosstrengths The two signature projects are the design and construction of the primaryinstrument for the Chandra spacecraft one of NASArsquos ldquoGreat Observatoriesrdquo and PennStatersquos major role in NASArsquos Swift satellite which studies γ-ray bursts (GRBs) In ad-dition Dr Brandt is heavily involved in the NuSTAR (Nuclear Spectroscopic TelescopeArray) satellite program which began taking observations in 2012
Chandra launched in 1999 has provided our sharpest and deepest view of the X-rayuniverse Dr Brandt has led a series of studies that have revealed the characteristics ofhigh-energy emission from the first supermassive black holes to form in the universe HisldquoSix Megasecondrdquo image of a small piece of sky created with an exposure time of nearly70 days has revealed hundreds of faint X-ray sources The faintest objects are such thatthe X-ray instrument detects one photon from the source every two weeks
Penn State developed two of the three instruments on the Swift satellite and runsSwiftrsquos Mission Operations Center Center scientists Drs Peter Meszaros and Derek Foxhave made major contributions to this project Swift scans the sky for GRBs which arebrief flashes (timescale of a second) of extremely high-energy photons Within minutes ofdetecting a GRB Swift automatically points the onboard X-ray and optical telescopes to-wards the estimated direction of the event and immediately transmits an accurate positionof the event to observers around the world Despite the planned three-year operationallifetime after its 2004 launch NASA has repeatedly extended the mission because of therevolutionary scientific returns that Swift continues to produce
Swift discoveries include 1) the first precise locations of ldquoshortrdquo (less than a secondduration) GRBs providing solid support for the proposal that these GRBs are producedby mergers of two neutron stars 2) the first detection of the X-rays shock break-out from asupernova 3) the detection of long faint GRB which ground-based observations revealedto be the most distant known stellar object at a redshift of 93 4) the first observationsof a relativistic jet produced by the tidal disruption of star by a massive black hole5) discovering a GRB located at a distance of several billion light-years that was sobright it was visible to the naked eye for several seconds and 6) detection of a burst thatproduced for a few seconds an amount of electromagnetic energy that was comparable tothat of the entire rest of the universe
NuSTAR which is providing a view of the universe in the high X-ray regime is now inits third year of operations Dr Brandtrsquos group has led a number of studies based on thenew data that have provided insights into the properties and environments of supermassiveblack holes located in the centers of galaxies
Theoretical Cosmology at the Center
Dr Shanderarsquos research concentrates on the first moments of the universersquos existencein particular the period when the universe is thought to have undergone an incredibly rapidphase of expansion (the ldquoinflationrdquo theory) that occurred approximately 10minus35 s after theBig Bang Dr Shanderarsquos primary goals are to understand the nature of quantum fields inthis era and to identify observational signals that can test whether this inflationary phasedid indeed exist
Dr Lirsquos group has developed sophisticated computer codes incorporating detailedphysical processes and the large-scale evolution of structure in the universe to addresssome of the most pressing questions in cosmology ranging from the appearance of the firstsupermassive black holes in the universe to the formation of our own galaxy the MilkyWay
Dr Jeong is extensively involved in large-scale surveys (see above) but also is inves-tigating questions such as the applicability of Einsteinrsquos Theory of General Relativity overthe largest spans of distance and time in the universe and the nature of Dark Energy
The Annual Neighborhood Cosmology Conference
During the spring semesters in 2013 and 2014 the Center hosted a ldquoNeighborhoodCosmology Conferencerdquo that was attended by scientists from a number of local institutionsThis two-day affair brings together approximately 90 astronomers and physicists to discussthe latest developments in cosmology The vast majority of the attendees are students(undergraduate and graduate) and postdocs Institutions that have participated includeJohns Hopkins the University of Pennsylvania the University of Pittsburgh RutgersUniversity Carnegie Mellon University Case Western Reserve University and CornellUniversity In addition to the productive science exchanges the conference is a usefulrecruiting tool for the Physics and the Astronomy Departments
Special recognition is due to Dr Shandera and Ms Randi Neshteruk for their superborganizational efforts for the conferences
Conclusion
Center scientists have been at the forefront of cosmological research for more than adecade and their leadership roles in a number of major current and near-future projectspromises to maintain Penn Statersquos high profile in this exciting and important field Anindication of the Centerrsquos scientific impact is that since the Centerrsquos creation in mid-2011Center scientists have published 208 peer-reviewed papers these works have garnered 6570citations We expect that this rate of productivity will increase due to the addition of recentfaculty hires and as results are produced by the major new projects (NuStar SDSS-IVHETDEX) The Physics and the Astronomy Departments were both highly-ranked by the2010 National Research Councilrsquos review and the high-profile activity of the Center willplay an important role in maintaining and bolstering this reputation
13 13 13 13 13 13 The13 primary13 goal13 of13 our13 center13 is13 to13 foster13 research13 and13 education13 in13 some13 fundamental13 areas13 at13 the13 forefront13 of13 theoretical13 and13 mathematical13 physics13 These13 areas13 include13 theories13 that13 attempt13 to13 unify13 Einsteins13 theory13 of13 gravity13 and13 quantum13 mechanics13 general13 relativity13 and13 supergravity13 cosmology13 non-shy‐commutative13 geometry13 and13 related13 areas13 of13 mathematics13 and13 philosophy13 of13 science13 We13 have13 faculty13 members13 from13 Physics13 Mathematics13 as13 well13 as13 Philosophy13 Department13 13 13 The13 two13 leading13 approaches13 to13 quantum13 gravity13 are13 both13 represented13 at13 our13 center13 namely13 loop13 quantum13 gravity13 and13 string13 theory13 Loop13 quantum13 gravity13 which13 was13 developed13 mainly13 here13 at13 Penn13 State13 attempts13 to13 quantize13 gravity13 in13 four13 space-shy‐time13 dimensions13 by13 itself13 13 String13 theory13 is13 more13 ambitious13 and13 attempts13 to13 unify13 all13 known13 forces13 of13 nature13 including13 gravity13 in13 a13 quantum13 mechanically13 consistent13 framework13 13 Penn13 State13 is13 the13 only13 US13 institution13 where13 both13 of13 these13 approaches13 are13 being13 developed13 13 13 At13 any13 given13 time13 the13 researchers13 in13 our13 center13 work13 on13 many13 exciting13 and13 interesting13 problems13 Currently13 we13 have13 a13 major13 research13 activity13 on13 loop13 quantum13 cosmology13 which13 was13 initiated13 and13 largely13 developed13 here13 in13 our13 center13 by13 Martin13 Bojowald13 Abhay13 Ashtekar13 and13 their13 coworkers13 13 By13 now13 this13 is13 a13 very13 active13 area13 of13 research13 among13 physicists13 that13 work13 on13 loop13 quantum13 gravity13 worldwide13 13 The13 original13 singularity13 of13 the13 classical13 theory13 of13 general13 relativity13 corresponding13 to13 the13 big13 bang13 gets13 resolved13 due13 to13 quantum13
effects13 and13 the13 big13 bang13 and13 big13 crunch13 singularities13 are13 replaced13 by13 big13 bounces13 in13 some13 of13 the13 loop13 quantum13 cosmology13 models13 13 13 The13 researchers13 in13 this13 field13 are13 currently13 trying13 to13 understand13 the13 physics13 of13 the13 early13 universe13 and13 thereby13 explain13 the13 current13 cosmological13 observations13 such13 as13 the13 large-shy‐scale13 structure13 of13 the13 observed13 universe13 13 13 Another13 current13 major13 research13 area13 in13 the13 center13 is13 the13 work13 on13 scattering13 amplitude13 calculations13 in13 supergravity13 theories13 and13 study13 of13 their13 finiteness13 properties13 13 Supergravity13 theories13 are13 extensions13 of13 Einsteinrsquos13 theory13 of13 general13 relativity13 whose13 quantization13 leads13 to13 additional13 particles13 other13 than13 the13 graviton13 which13 mediates13 the13 gravitational13 force13 13 Through13 a13 remarkable13 tour13 de13 force13 of13 technical13 calculation13 Radu13 Roiban13 and13 his13 co-shy‐workers13 showed13 that13 the13 maximal13 supergravity13 is13 finite13 up13 to13 four13 loops13 in13 perturbative13 quantum13 theory13 13 This13 was13 an13 unexpected13 result13 since13 the13 perturbative13 quantization13 of13 Einsteinrsquos13 general13 relativity13 leads13 to13 incurable13 infinities13 already13 at13 two13 loops13 This13 work13 has13 been13 one13 of13 the13 main13 motivators13 for13 the13 exciting13 and13 important13 developments13 in13 the13 field13 of13 amplitude13 calculations13 in13 supergravity13 and13 supersymmetric13 field13 theories13 in13 recent13 years13 13 13 One13 of13 our13 main13 activities13 is13 to13 organize13 workshops13 on13 recent13 exciting13 developments13 in13 areas13 represented13 in13 our13 Center13 These13 workshops13 have13 been13 very13 successful13 and13 contributed13 to13 the13 visibility13 of13 our13 Center13 greatly13 by13 bringing13 leading13 scientists13 working13 in13 these13 areas13 to13 Penn13 State13 They13 also13 foster13 the13 synergy13 in13 the13 Center13 For13 example13 last13 year13 M13 Bojowald13 M13 Gunaydin13 and13 P13 Xu13 organized13 a13 workshop13 on13 Non-shy‐Associativity13 in13 Physics13 and13 Related13 Mathematical13 Structures13 that13 brought13 together13 physicists13 and13 mathematicians13 including13 a13 field13 medalist13 13 Similarly13 in13 201313 A13 Ashtekar13 G13 Fleming13 and13 E13 Grosholz13 organized13 a13 workshop13 on13 Cosmology13 and13 Time13 that13 brought13 physicists13 and13 philosophers13 together13 We13 also13 initiated13 a13 series13 of13 workshops13 rotating13 between13 Penn13 State13 the13 Albert13 Einstein13 Institute13 in13 Potsdam13 Germany13 Cambridge13 University13 Imperial13 College13 and13 Texas13 AampM13 University13 13 13 13 Murat13 Gunaydin13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 February13 1613 201513
- Agenda
- 15rep-cavener
- Letter to the editor_ Lecture was outstanding _ Letters to the Editor _ CentreDaily
- governance-13
- CPGA-Highlights
- AMON Slides for Dean Cavener
-
- Pages from AMON_Statuspdf
- Pages from AMON_Status-2pdf
- Pages from AMON_Status-3pdf
- AMON MoU Listpdf
-
- ctocshort
- CFT_2015
-
Overview for the Center for Theoretical and Observational Cosmology
The study of the large-scale properties and evolution of the cosmos is one of the mostintellectually challenging and exciting scientific endeavors of the early 21st century Thisfield of research addresses the most fundamental questions that can be posed and is one ofgreat public interest Scientists at the Center for Theoretical and Observational Cosmologyare engaged in a wide variety of activities frequently holding scientific leadership positionsin large international collaborations that are probing the basic properties of the universeThe Centerrsquos research efforts are concentrated in Wide-Area Cosmological Surveys theHigh-Energy Universe and Theoretical Investigations of the conditions in the extremelyearly universe and the formation and evolution of large structures throughout cosmic time
Wide-Area Cosmological Surveys
The foundation of these recent advances are the wide-area (covering a significant frac-tion of the sky) high-quality surveys that have been undertaken in the past two decadesThe most prominent of these projects is the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) The SDSSobservations of galaxies and quasars allowed the construction of detailed maps of the dis-tribution of matter in the universe the structures that are detected are some of the mostimportant constraints on theoretical models of the properties and evolution of the universe
During SDSSrsquos first decade Penn State scientists were in charge of the quasar scienceof the survey On several occasions during this period the SDSS quasar team identified themost distant known object in the universe and discovered (after astronomers had searchedfor nearly 40 years) the era when the intergalactic medium transitioned from a neutral toan ionized state Penn State has joined the fourth phase (which started on 1 July 2014)as an institutional member Drs Niel Brandt and Michael Eracleous (observational) andSarah Shandera and Donghui Jeong (theoretical) are actively engaged in SDSS-IV
Penn State is playing an important part in another large cosmological survey theHobby-Eberly Telescope Dark Energy Experiment (HETDEX) which should begin obser-vations in late 2015 The goal of this multi-year project is to identify approximately onemillion galaxies in the era when the universe was only a quarter of its current linear sizerevealing information about the rate of expansion of the universe at that time and providea key constraint on cosmological models In preparation for this ambitious project theHETDEX Pilot Survey was undertaken using one of the smaller telescopes at McDon-ald Observatory Drs Robin Ciardullo Caryl Gronwall and Jeong are now analyzingand publishing of the Pilot Survey results which are revealing the physical conditions ingalaxies billions of years in the past
Every ten years the US Astronomical Community produces a report that lists thehighest priorities for the next decade the top-ranked project for ground-based astronomyin the most recent document was the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) The LSSTwill be able to obtain images of approximately 50 of the sky every few nights providinginsights on issues ranging from our cosmic neighborhood (identifying and tracking ldquokillerasteroidsrdquo) to the most distant reaches of the universe (properties of Dark Energy) PennState has been an institutional member of this large international project since 2005 andhas been an active participant of the governance and science planning Dr Brandt is incharge of developing the plan for LSSTrsquoS deepest observations
The High-Energy Universe
High-energy astrophysics (X-rays and γ-rays) has long been one of Penn Statersquosstrengths The two signature projects are the design and construction of the primaryinstrument for the Chandra spacecraft one of NASArsquos ldquoGreat Observatoriesrdquo and PennStatersquos major role in NASArsquos Swift satellite which studies γ-ray bursts (GRBs) In ad-dition Dr Brandt is heavily involved in the NuSTAR (Nuclear Spectroscopic TelescopeArray) satellite program which began taking observations in 2012
Chandra launched in 1999 has provided our sharpest and deepest view of the X-rayuniverse Dr Brandt has led a series of studies that have revealed the characteristics ofhigh-energy emission from the first supermassive black holes to form in the universe HisldquoSix Megasecondrdquo image of a small piece of sky created with an exposure time of nearly70 days has revealed hundreds of faint X-ray sources The faintest objects are such thatthe X-ray instrument detects one photon from the source every two weeks
Penn State developed two of the three instruments on the Swift satellite and runsSwiftrsquos Mission Operations Center Center scientists Drs Peter Meszaros and Derek Foxhave made major contributions to this project Swift scans the sky for GRBs which arebrief flashes (timescale of a second) of extremely high-energy photons Within minutes ofdetecting a GRB Swift automatically points the onboard X-ray and optical telescopes to-wards the estimated direction of the event and immediately transmits an accurate positionof the event to observers around the world Despite the planned three-year operationallifetime after its 2004 launch NASA has repeatedly extended the mission because of therevolutionary scientific returns that Swift continues to produce
Swift discoveries include 1) the first precise locations of ldquoshortrdquo (less than a secondduration) GRBs providing solid support for the proposal that these GRBs are producedby mergers of two neutron stars 2) the first detection of the X-rays shock break-out from asupernova 3) the detection of long faint GRB which ground-based observations revealedto be the most distant known stellar object at a redshift of 93 4) the first observationsof a relativistic jet produced by the tidal disruption of star by a massive black hole5) discovering a GRB located at a distance of several billion light-years that was sobright it was visible to the naked eye for several seconds and 6) detection of a burst thatproduced for a few seconds an amount of electromagnetic energy that was comparable tothat of the entire rest of the universe
NuSTAR which is providing a view of the universe in the high X-ray regime is now inits third year of operations Dr Brandtrsquos group has led a number of studies based on thenew data that have provided insights into the properties and environments of supermassiveblack holes located in the centers of galaxies
Theoretical Cosmology at the Center
Dr Shanderarsquos research concentrates on the first moments of the universersquos existencein particular the period when the universe is thought to have undergone an incredibly rapidphase of expansion (the ldquoinflationrdquo theory) that occurred approximately 10minus35 s after theBig Bang Dr Shanderarsquos primary goals are to understand the nature of quantum fields inthis era and to identify observational signals that can test whether this inflationary phasedid indeed exist
Dr Lirsquos group has developed sophisticated computer codes incorporating detailedphysical processes and the large-scale evolution of structure in the universe to addresssome of the most pressing questions in cosmology ranging from the appearance of the firstsupermassive black holes in the universe to the formation of our own galaxy the MilkyWay
Dr Jeong is extensively involved in large-scale surveys (see above) but also is inves-tigating questions such as the applicability of Einsteinrsquos Theory of General Relativity overthe largest spans of distance and time in the universe and the nature of Dark Energy
The Annual Neighborhood Cosmology Conference
During the spring semesters in 2013 and 2014 the Center hosted a ldquoNeighborhoodCosmology Conferencerdquo that was attended by scientists from a number of local institutionsThis two-day affair brings together approximately 90 astronomers and physicists to discussthe latest developments in cosmology The vast majority of the attendees are students(undergraduate and graduate) and postdocs Institutions that have participated includeJohns Hopkins the University of Pennsylvania the University of Pittsburgh RutgersUniversity Carnegie Mellon University Case Western Reserve University and CornellUniversity In addition to the productive science exchanges the conference is a usefulrecruiting tool for the Physics and the Astronomy Departments
Special recognition is due to Dr Shandera and Ms Randi Neshteruk for their superborganizational efforts for the conferences
Conclusion
Center scientists have been at the forefront of cosmological research for more than adecade and their leadership roles in a number of major current and near-future projectspromises to maintain Penn Statersquos high profile in this exciting and important field Anindication of the Centerrsquos scientific impact is that since the Centerrsquos creation in mid-2011Center scientists have published 208 peer-reviewed papers these works have garnered 6570citations We expect that this rate of productivity will increase due to the addition of recentfaculty hires and as results are produced by the major new projects (NuStar SDSS-IVHETDEX) The Physics and the Astronomy Departments were both highly-ranked by the2010 National Research Councilrsquos review and the high-profile activity of the Center willplay an important role in maintaining and bolstering this reputation
13 13 13 13 13 13 The13 primary13 goal13 of13 our13 center13 is13 to13 foster13 research13 and13 education13 in13 some13 fundamental13 areas13 at13 the13 forefront13 of13 theoretical13 and13 mathematical13 physics13 These13 areas13 include13 theories13 that13 attempt13 to13 unify13 Einsteins13 theory13 of13 gravity13 and13 quantum13 mechanics13 general13 relativity13 and13 supergravity13 cosmology13 non-shy‐commutative13 geometry13 and13 related13 areas13 of13 mathematics13 and13 philosophy13 of13 science13 We13 have13 faculty13 members13 from13 Physics13 Mathematics13 as13 well13 as13 Philosophy13 Department13 13 13 The13 two13 leading13 approaches13 to13 quantum13 gravity13 are13 both13 represented13 at13 our13 center13 namely13 loop13 quantum13 gravity13 and13 string13 theory13 Loop13 quantum13 gravity13 which13 was13 developed13 mainly13 here13 at13 Penn13 State13 attempts13 to13 quantize13 gravity13 in13 four13 space-shy‐time13 dimensions13 by13 itself13 13 String13 theory13 is13 more13 ambitious13 and13 attempts13 to13 unify13 all13 known13 forces13 of13 nature13 including13 gravity13 in13 a13 quantum13 mechanically13 consistent13 framework13 13 Penn13 State13 is13 the13 only13 US13 institution13 where13 both13 of13 these13 approaches13 are13 being13 developed13 13 13 At13 any13 given13 time13 the13 researchers13 in13 our13 center13 work13 on13 many13 exciting13 and13 interesting13 problems13 Currently13 we13 have13 a13 major13 research13 activity13 on13 loop13 quantum13 cosmology13 which13 was13 initiated13 and13 largely13 developed13 here13 in13 our13 center13 by13 Martin13 Bojowald13 Abhay13 Ashtekar13 and13 their13 coworkers13 13 By13 now13 this13 is13 a13 very13 active13 area13 of13 research13 among13 physicists13 that13 work13 on13 loop13 quantum13 gravity13 worldwide13 13 The13 original13 singularity13 of13 the13 classical13 theory13 of13 general13 relativity13 corresponding13 to13 the13 big13 bang13 gets13 resolved13 due13 to13 quantum13
effects13 and13 the13 big13 bang13 and13 big13 crunch13 singularities13 are13 replaced13 by13 big13 bounces13 in13 some13 of13 the13 loop13 quantum13 cosmology13 models13 13 13 The13 researchers13 in13 this13 field13 are13 currently13 trying13 to13 understand13 the13 physics13 of13 the13 early13 universe13 and13 thereby13 explain13 the13 current13 cosmological13 observations13 such13 as13 the13 large-shy‐scale13 structure13 of13 the13 observed13 universe13 13 13 Another13 current13 major13 research13 area13 in13 the13 center13 is13 the13 work13 on13 scattering13 amplitude13 calculations13 in13 supergravity13 theories13 and13 study13 of13 their13 finiteness13 properties13 13 Supergravity13 theories13 are13 extensions13 of13 Einsteinrsquos13 theory13 of13 general13 relativity13 whose13 quantization13 leads13 to13 additional13 particles13 other13 than13 the13 graviton13 which13 mediates13 the13 gravitational13 force13 13 Through13 a13 remarkable13 tour13 de13 force13 of13 technical13 calculation13 Radu13 Roiban13 and13 his13 co-shy‐workers13 showed13 that13 the13 maximal13 supergravity13 is13 finite13 up13 to13 four13 loops13 in13 perturbative13 quantum13 theory13 13 This13 was13 an13 unexpected13 result13 since13 the13 perturbative13 quantization13 of13 Einsteinrsquos13 general13 relativity13 leads13 to13 incurable13 infinities13 already13 at13 two13 loops13 This13 work13 has13 been13 one13 of13 the13 main13 motivators13 for13 the13 exciting13 and13 important13 developments13 in13 the13 field13 of13 amplitude13 calculations13 in13 supergravity13 and13 supersymmetric13 field13 theories13 in13 recent13 years13 13 13 One13 of13 our13 main13 activities13 is13 to13 organize13 workshops13 on13 recent13 exciting13 developments13 in13 areas13 represented13 in13 our13 Center13 These13 workshops13 have13 been13 very13 successful13 and13 contributed13 to13 the13 visibility13 of13 our13 Center13 greatly13 by13 bringing13 leading13 scientists13 working13 in13 these13 areas13 to13 Penn13 State13 They13 also13 foster13 the13 synergy13 in13 the13 Center13 For13 example13 last13 year13 M13 Bojowald13 M13 Gunaydin13 and13 P13 Xu13 organized13 a13 workshop13 on13 Non-shy‐Associativity13 in13 Physics13 and13 Related13 Mathematical13 Structures13 that13 brought13 together13 physicists13 and13 mathematicians13 including13 a13 field13 medalist13 13 Similarly13 in13 201313 A13 Ashtekar13 G13 Fleming13 and13 E13 Grosholz13 organized13 a13 workshop13 on13 Cosmology13 and13 Time13 that13 brought13 physicists13 and13 philosophers13 together13 We13 also13 initiated13 a13 series13 of13 workshops13 rotating13 between13 Penn13 State13 the13 Albert13 Einstein13 Institute13 in13 Potsdam13 Germany13 Cambridge13 University13 Imperial13 College13 and13 Texas13 AampM13 University13 13 13 13 Murat13 Gunaydin13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 February13 1613 201513
- Agenda
- 15rep-cavener
- Letter to the editor_ Lecture was outstanding _ Letters to the Editor _ CentreDaily
- governance-13
- CPGA-Highlights
- AMON Slides for Dean Cavener
-
- Pages from AMON_Statuspdf
- Pages from AMON_Status-2pdf
- Pages from AMON_Status-3pdf
- AMON MoU Listpdf
-
- ctocshort
- CFT_2015
-
The High-Energy Universe
High-energy astrophysics (X-rays and γ-rays) has long been one of Penn Statersquosstrengths The two signature projects are the design and construction of the primaryinstrument for the Chandra spacecraft one of NASArsquos ldquoGreat Observatoriesrdquo and PennStatersquos major role in NASArsquos Swift satellite which studies γ-ray bursts (GRBs) In ad-dition Dr Brandt is heavily involved in the NuSTAR (Nuclear Spectroscopic TelescopeArray) satellite program which began taking observations in 2012
Chandra launched in 1999 has provided our sharpest and deepest view of the X-rayuniverse Dr Brandt has led a series of studies that have revealed the characteristics ofhigh-energy emission from the first supermassive black holes to form in the universe HisldquoSix Megasecondrdquo image of a small piece of sky created with an exposure time of nearly70 days has revealed hundreds of faint X-ray sources The faintest objects are such thatthe X-ray instrument detects one photon from the source every two weeks
Penn State developed two of the three instruments on the Swift satellite and runsSwiftrsquos Mission Operations Center Center scientists Drs Peter Meszaros and Derek Foxhave made major contributions to this project Swift scans the sky for GRBs which arebrief flashes (timescale of a second) of extremely high-energy photons Within minutes ofdetecting a GRB Swift automatically points the onboard X-ray and optical telescopes to-wards the estimated direction of the event and immediately transmits an accurate positionof the event to observers around the world Despite the planned three-year operationallifetime after its 2004 launch NASA has repeatedly extended the mission because of therevolutionary scientific returns that Swift continues to produce
Swift discoveries include 1) the first precise locations of ldquoshortrdquo (less than a secondduration) GRBs providing solid support for the proposal that these GRBs are producedby mergers of two neutron stars 2) the first detection of the X-rays shock break-out from asupernova 3) the detection of long faint GRB which ground-based observations revealedto be the most distant known stellar object at a redshift of 93 4) the first observationsof a relativistic jet produced by the tidal disruption of star by a massive black hole5) discovering a GRB located at a distance of several billion light-years that was sobright it was visible to the naked eye for several seconds and 6) detection of a burst thatproduced for a few seconds an amount of electromagnetic energy that was comparable tothat of the entire rest of the universe
NuSTAR which is providing a view of the universe in the high X-ray regime is now inits third year of operations Dr Brandtrsquos group has led a number of studies based on thenew data that have provided insights into the properties and environments of supermassiveblack holes located in the centers of galaxies
Theoretical Cosmology at the Center
Dr Shanderarsquos research concentrates on the first moments of the universersquos existencein particular the period when the universe is thought to have undergone an incredibly rapidphase of expansion (the ldquoinflationrdquo theory) that occurred approximately 10minus35 s after theBig Bang Dr Shanderarsquos primary goals are to understand the nature of quantum fields inthis era and to identify observational signals that can test whether this inflationary phasedid indeed exist
Dr Lirsquos group has developed sophisticated computer codes incorporating detailedphysical processes and the large-scale evolution of structure in the universe to addresssome of the most pressing questions in cosmology ranging from the appearance of the firstsupermassive black holes in the universe to the formation of our own galaxy the MilkyWay
Dr Jeong is extensively involved in large-scale surveys (see above) but also is inves-tigating questions such as the applicability of Einsteinrsquos Theory of General Relativity overthe largest spans of distance and time in the universe and the nature of Dark Energy
The Annual Neighborhood Cosmology Conference
During the spring semesters in 2013 and 2014 the Center hosted a ldquoNeighborhoodCosmology Conferencerdquo that was attended by scientists from a number of local institutionsThis two-day affair brings together approximately 90 astronomers and physicists to discussthe latest developments in cosmology The vast majority of the attendees are students(undergraduate and graduate) and postdocs Institutions that have participated includeJohns Hopkins the University of Pennsylvania the University of Pittsburgh RutgersUniversity Carnegie Mellon University Case Western Reserve University and CornellUniversity In addition to the productive science exchanges the conference is a usefulrecruiting tool for the Physics and the Astronomy Departments
Special recognition is due to Dr Shandera and Ms Randi Neshteruk for their superborganizational efforts for the conferences
Conclusion
Center scientists have been at the forefront of cosmological research for more than adecade and their leadership roles in a number of major current and near-future projectspromises to maintain Penn Statersquos high profile in this exciting and important field Anindication of the Centerrsquos scientific impact is that since the Centerrsquos creation in mid-2011Center scientists have published 208 peer-reviewed papers these works have garnered 6570citations We expect that this rate of productivity will increase due to the addition of recentfaculty hires and as results are produced by the major new projects (NuStar SDSS-IVHETDEX) The Physics and the Astronomy Departments were both highly-ranked by the2010 National Research Councilrsquos review and the high-profile activity of the Center willplay an important role in maintaining and bolstering this reputation
13 13 13 13 13 13 The13 primary13 goal13 of13 our13 center13 is13 to13 foster13 research13 and13 education13 in13 some13 fundamental13 areas13 at13 the13 forefront13 of13 theoretical13 and13 mathematical13 physics13 These13 areas13 include13 theories13 that13 attempt13 to13 unify13 Einsteins13 theory13 of13 gravity13 and13 quantum13 mechanics13 general13 relativity13 and13 supergravity13 cosmology13 non-shy‐commutative13 geometry13 and13 related13 areas13 of13 mathematics13 and13 philosophy13 of13 science13 We13 have13 faculty13 members13 from13 Physics13 Mathematics13 as13 well13 as13 Philosophy13 Department13 13 13 The13 two13 leading13 approaches13 to13 quantum13 gravity13 are13 both13 represented13 at13 our13 center13 namely13 loop13 quantum13 gravity13 and13 string13 theory13 Loop13 quantum13 gravity13 which13 was13 developed13 mainly13 here13 at13 Penn13 State13 attempts13 to13 quantize13 gravity13 in13 four13 space-shy‐time13 dimensions13 by13 itself13 13 String13 theory13 is13 more13 ambitious13 and13 attempts13 to13 unify13 all13 known13 forces13 of13 nature13 including13 gravity13 in13 a13 quantum13 mechanically13 consistent13 framework13 13 Penn13 State13 is13 the13 only13 US13 institution13 where13 both13 of13 these13 approaches13 are13 being13 developed13 13 13 At13 any13 given13 time13 the13 researchers13 in13 our13 center13 work13 on13 many13 exciting13 and13 interesting13 problems13 Currently13 we13 have13 a13 major13 research13 activity13 on13 loop13 quantum13 cosmology13 which13 was13 initiated13 and13 largely13 developed13 here13 in13 our13 center13 by13 Martin13 Bojowald13 Abhay13 Ashtekar13 and13 their13 coworkers13 13 By13 now13 this13 is13 a13 very13 active13 area13 of13 research13 among13 physicists13 that13 work13 on13 loop13 quantum13 gravity13 worldwide13 13 The13 original13 singularity13 of13 the13 classical13 theory13 of13 general13 relativity13 corresponding13 to13 the13 big13 bang13 gets13 resolved13 due13 to13 quantum13
effects13 and13 the13 big13 bang13 and13 big13 crunch13 singularities13 are13 replaced13 by13 big13 bounces13 in13 some13 of13 the13 loop13 quantum13 cosmology13 models13 13 13 The13 researchers13 in13 this13 field13 are13 currently13 trying13 to13 understand13 the13 physics13 of13 the13 early13 universe13 and13 thereby13 explain13 the13 current13 cosmological13 observations13 such13 as13 the13 large-shy‐scale13 structure13 of13 the13 observed13 universe13 13 13 Another13 current13 major13 research13 area13 in13 the13 center13 is13 the13 work13 on13 scattering13 amplitude13 calculations13 in13 supergravity13 theories13 and13 study13 of13 their13 finiteness13 properties13 13 Supergravity13 theories13 are13 extensions13 of13 Einsteinrsquos13 theory13 of13 general13 relativity13 whose13 quantization13 leads13 to13 additional13 particles13 other13 than13 the13 graviton13 which13 mediates13 the13 gravitational13 force13 13 Through13 a13 remarkable13 tour13 de13 force13 of13 technical13 calculation13 Radu13 Roiban13 and13 his13 co-shy‐workers13 showed13 that13 the13 maximal13 supergravity13 is13 finite13 up13 to13 four13 loops13 in13 perturbative13 quantum13 theory13 13 This13 was13 an13 unexpected13 result13 since13 the13 perturbative13 quantization13 of13 Einsteinrsquos13 general13 relativity13 leads13 to13 incurable13 infinities13 already13 at13 two13 loops13 This13 work13 has13 been13 one13 of13 the13 main13 motivators13 for13 the13 exciting13 and13 important13 developments13 in13 the13 field13 of13 amplitude13 calculations13 in13 supergravity13 and13 supersymmetric13 field13 theories13 in13 recent13 years13 13 13 One13 of13 our13 main13 activities13 is13 to13 organize13 workshops13 on13 recent13 exciting13 developments13 in13 areas13 represented13 in13 our13 Center13 These13 workshops13 have13 been13 very13 successful13 and13 contributed13 to13 the13 visibility13 of13 our13 Center13 greatly13 by13 bringing13 leading13 scientists13 working13 in13 these13 areas13 to13 Penn13 State13 They13 also13 foster13 the13 synergy13 in13 the13 Center13 For13 example13 last13 year13 M13 Bojowald13 M13 Gunaydin13 and13 P13 Xu13 organized13 a13 workshop13 on13 Non-shy‐Associativity13 in13 Physics13 and13 Related13 Mathematical13 Structures13 that13 brought13 together13 physicists13 and13 mathematicians13 including13 a13 field13 medalist13 13 Similarly13 in13 201313 A13 Ashtekar13 G13 Fleming13 and13 E13 Grosholz13 organized13 a13 workshop13 on13 Cosmology13 and13 Time13 that13 brought13 physicists13 and13 philosophers13 together13 We13 also13 initiated13 a13 series13 of13 workshops13 rotating13 between13 Penn13 State13 the13 Albert13 Einstein13 Institute13 in13 Potsdam13 Germany13 Cambridge13 University13 Imperial13 College13 and13 Texas13 AampM13 University13 13 13 13 Murat13 Gunaydin13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 February13 1613 201513
- Agenda
- 15rep-cavener
- Letter to the editor_ Lecture was outstanding _ Letters to the Editor _ CentreDaily
- governance-13
- CPGA-Highlights
- AMON Slides for Dean Cavener
-
- Pages from AMON_Statuspdf
- Pages from AMON_Status-2pdf
- Pages from AMON_Status-3pdf
- AMON MoU Listpdf
-
- ctocshort
- CFT_2015
-
Dr Lirsquos group has developed sophisticated computer codes incorporating detailedphysical processes and the large-scale evolution of structure in the universe to addresssome of the most pressing questions in cosmology ranging from the appearance of the firstsupermassive black holes in the universe to the formation of our own galaxy the MilkyWay
Dr Jeong is extensively involved in large-scale surveys (see above) but also is inves-tigating questions such as the applicability of Einsteinrsquos Theory of General Relativity overthe largest spans of distance and time in the universe and the nature of Dark Energy
The Annual Neighborhood Cosmology Conference
During the spring semesters in 2013 and 2014 the Center hosted a ldquoNeighborhoodCosmology Conferencerdquo that was attended by scientists from a number of local institutionsThis two-day affair brings together approximately 90 astronomers and physicists to discussthe latest developments in cosmology The vast majority of the attendees are students(undergraduate and graduate) and postdocs Institutions that have participated includeJohns Hopkins the University of Pennsylvania the University of Pittsburgh RutgersUniversity Carnegie Mellon University Case Western Reserve University and CornellUniversity In addition to the productive science exchanges the conference is a usefulrecruiting tool for the Physics and the Astronomy Departments
Special recognition is due to Dr Shandera and Ms Randi Neshteruk for their superborganizational efforts for the conferences
Conclusion
Center scientists have been at the forefront of cosmological research for more than adecade and their leadership roles in a number of major current and near-future projectspromises to maintain Penn Statersquos high profile in this exciting and important field Anindication of the Centerrsquos scientific impact is that since the Centerrsquos creation in mid-2011Center scientists have published 208 peer-reviewed papers these works have garnered 6570citations We expect that this rate of productivity will increase due to the addition of recentfaculty hires and as results are produced by the major new projects (NuStar SDSS-IVHETDEX) The Physics and the Astronomy Departments were both highly-ranked by the2010 National Research Councilrsquos review and the high-profile activity of the Center willplay an important role in maintaining and bolstering this reputation
13 13 13 13 13 13 The13 primary13 goal13 of13 our13 center13 is13 to13 foster13 research13 and13 education13 in13 some13 fundamental13 areas13 at13 the13 forefront13 of13 theoretical13 and13 mathematical13 physics13 These13 areas13 include13 theories13 that13 attempt13 to13 unify13 Einsteins13 theory13 of13 gravity13 and13 quantum13 mechanics13 general13 relativity13 and13 supergravity13 cosmology13 non-shy‐commutative13 geometry13 and13 related13 areas13 of13 mathematics13 and13 philosophy13 of13 science13 We13 have13 faculty13 members13 from13 Physics13 Mathematics13 as13 well13 as13 Philosophy13 Department13 13 13 The13 two13 leading13 approaches13 to13 quantum13 gravity13 are13 both13 represented13 at13 our13 center13 namely13 loop13 quantum13 gravity13 and13 string13 theory13 Loop13 quantum13 gravity13 which13 was13 developed13 mainly13 here13 at13 Penn13 State13 attempts13 to13 quantize13 gravity13 in13 four13 space-shy‐time13 dimensions13 by13 itself13 13 String13 theory13 is13 more13 ambitious13 and13 attempts13 to13 unify13 all13 known13 forces13 of13 nature13 including13 gravity13 in13 a13 quantum13 mechanically13 consistent13 framework13 13 Penn13 State13 is13 the13 only13 US13 institution13 where13 both13 of13 these13 approaches13 are13 being13 developed13 13 13 At13 any13 given13 time13 the13 researchers13 in13 our13 center13 work13 on13 many13 exciting13 and13 interesting13 problems13 Currently13 we13 have13 a13 major13 research13 activity13 on13 loop13 quantum13 cosmology13 which13 was13 initiated13 and13 largely13 developed13 here13 in13 our13 center13 by13 Martin13 Bojowald13 Abhay13 Ashtekar13 and13 their13 coworkers13 13 By13 now13 this13 is13 a13 very13 active13 area13 of13 research13 among13 physicists13 that13 work13 on13 loop13 quantum13 gravity13 worldwide13 13 The13 original13 singularity13 of13 the13 classical13 theory13 of13 general13 relativity13 corresponding13 to13 the13 big13 bang13 gets13 resolved13 due13 to13 quantum13
effects13 and13 the13 big13 bang13 and13 big13 crunch13 singularities13 are13 replaced13 by13 big13 bounces13 in13 some13 of13 the13 loop13 quantum13 cosmology13 models13 13 13 The13 researchers13 in13 this13 field13 are13 currently13 trying13 to13 understand13 the13 physics13 of13 the13 early13 universe13 and13 thereby13 explain13 the13 current13 cosmological13 observations13 such13 as13 the13 large-shy‐scale13 structure13 of13 the13 observed13 universe13 13 13 Another13 current13 major13 research13 area13 in13 the13 center13 is13 the13 work13 on13 scattering13 amplitude13 calculations13 in13 supergravity13 theories13 and13 study13 of13 their13 finiteness13 properties13 13 Supergravity13 theories13 are13 extensions13 of13 Einsteinrsquos13 theory13 of13 general13 relativity13 whose13 quantization13 leads13 to13 additional13 particles13 other13 than13 the13 graviton13 which13 mediates13 the13 gravitational13 force13 13 Through13 a13 remarkable13 tour13 de13 force13 of13 technical13 calculation13 Radu13 Roiban13 and13 his13 co-shy‐workers13 showed13 that13 the13 maximal13 supergravity13 is13 finite13 up13 to13 four13 loops13 in13 perturbative13 quantum13 theory13 13 This13 was13 an13 unexpected13 result13 since13 the13 perturbative13 quantization13 of13 Einsteinrsquos13 general13 relativity13 leads13 to13 incurable13 infinities13 already13 at13 two13 loops13 This13 work13 has13 been13 one13 of13 the13 main13 motivators13 for13 the13 exciting13 and13 important13 developments13 in13 the13 field13 of13 amplitude13 calculations13 in13 supergravity13 and13 supersymmetric13 field13 theories13 in13 recent13 years13 13 13 One13 of13 our13 main13 activities13 is13 to13 organize13 workshops13 on13 recent13 exciting13 developments13 in13 areas13 represented13 in13 our13 Center13 These13 workshops13 have13 been13 very13 successful13 and13 contributed13 to13 the13 visibility13 of13 our13 Center13 greatly13 by13 bringing13 leading13 scientists13 working13 in13 these13 areas13 to13 Penn13 State13 They13 also13 foster13 the13 synergy13 in13 the13 Center13 For13 example13 last13 year13 M13 Bojowald13 M13 Gunaydin13 and13 P13 Xu13 organized13 a13 workshop13 on13 Non-shy‐Associativity13 in13 Physics13 and13 Related13 Mathematical13 Structures13 that13 brought13 together13 physicists13 and13 mathematicians13 including13 a13 field13 medalist13 13 Similarly13 in13 201313 A13 Ashtekar13 G13 Fleming13 and13 E13 Grosholz13 organized13 a13 workshop13 on13 Cosmology13 and13 Time13 that13 brought13 physicists13 and13 philosophers13 together13 We13 also13 initiated13 a13 series13 of13 workshops13 rotating13 between13 Penn13 State13 the13 Albert13 Einstein13 Institute13 in13 Potsdam13 Germany13 Cambridge13 University13 Imperial13 College13 and13 Texas13 AampM13 University13 13 13 13 Murat13 Gunaydin13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 February13 1613 201513
- Agenda
- 15rep-cavener
- Letter to the editor_ Lecture was outstanding _ Letters to the Editor _ CentreDaily
- governance-13
- CPGA-Highlights
- AMON Slides for Dean Cavener
-
- Pages from AMON_Statuspdf
- Pages from AMON_Status-2pdf
- Pages from AMON_Status-3pdf
- AMON MoU Listpdf
-
- ctocshort
- CFT_2015
-
13 13 13 13 13 13 The13 primary13 goal13 of13 our13 center13 is13 to13 foster13 research13 and13 education13 in13 some13 fundamental13 areas13 at13 the13 forefront13 of13 theoretical13 and13 mathematical13 physics13 These13 areas13 include13 theories13 that13 attempt13 to13 unify13 Einsteins13 theory13 of13 gravity13 and13 quantum13 mechanics13 general13 relativity13 and13 supergravity13 cosmology13 non-shy‐commutative13 geometry13 and13 related13 areas13 of13 mathematics13 and13 philosophy13 of13 science13 We13 have13 faculty13 members13 from13 Physics13 Mathematics13 as13 well13 as13 Philosophy13 Department13 13 13 The13 two13 leading13 approaches13 to13 quantum13 gravity13 are13 both13 represented13 at13 our13 center13 namely13 loop13 quantum13 gravity13 and13 string13 theory13 Loop13 quantum13 gravity13 which13 was13 developed13 mainly13 here13 at13 Penn13 State13 attempts13 to13 quantize13 gravity13 in13 four13 space-shy‐time13 dimensions13 by13 itself13 13 String13 theory13 is13 more13 ambitious13 and13 attempts13 to13 unify13 all13 known13 forces13 of13 nature13 including13 gravity13 in13 a13 quantum13 mechanically13 consistent13 framework13 13 Penn13 State13 is13 the13 only13 US13 institution13 where13 both13 of13 these13 approaches13 are13 being13 developed13 13 13 At13 any13 given13 time13 the13 researchers13 in13 our13 center13 work13 on13 many13 exciting13 and13 interesting13 problems13 Currently13 we13 have13 a13 major13 research13 activity13 on13 loop13 quantum13 cosmology13 which13 was13 initiated13 and13 largely13 developed13 here13 in13 our13 center13 by13 Martin13 Bojowald13 Abhay13 Ashtekar13 and13 their13 coworkers13 13 By13 now13 this13 is13 a13 very13 active13 area13 of13 research13 among13 physicists13 that13 work13 on13 loop13 quantum13 gravity13 worldwide13 13 The13 original13 singularity13 of13 the13 classical13 theory13 of13 general13 relativity13 corresponding13 to13 the13 big13 bang13 gets13 resolved13 due13 to13 quantum13
effects13 and13 the13 big13 bang13 and13 big13 crunch13 singularities13 are13 replaced13 by13 big13 bounces13 in13 some13 of13 the13 loop13 quantum13 cosmology13 models13 13 13 The13 researchers13 in13 this13 field13 are13 currently13 trying13 to13 understand13 the13 physics13 of13 the13 early13 universe13 and13 thereby13 explain13 the13 current13 cosmological13 observations13 such13 as13 the13 large-shy‐scale13 structure13 of13 the13 observed13 universe13 13 13 Another13 current13 major13 research13 area13 in13 the13 center13 is13 the13 work13 on13 scattering13 amplitude13 calculations13 in13 supergravity13 theories13 and13 study13 of13 their13 finiteness13 properties13 13 Supergravity13 theories13 are13 extensions13 of13 Einsteinrsquos13 theory13 of13 general13 relativity13 whose13 quantization13 leads13 to13 additional13 particles13 other13 than13 the13 graviton13 which13 mediates13 the13 gravitational13 force13 13 Through13 a13 remarkable13 tour13 de13 force13 of13 technical13 calculation13 Radu13 Roiban13 and13 his13 co-shy‐workers13 showed13 that13 the13 maximal13 supergravity13 is13 finite13 up13 to13 four13 loops13 in13 perturbative13 quantum13 theory13 13 This13 was13 an13 unexpected13 result13 since13 the13 perturbative13 quantization13 of13 Einsteinrsquos13 general13 relativity13 leads13 to13 incurable13 infinities13 already13 at13 two13 loops13 This13 work13 has13 been13 one13 of13 the13 main13 motivators13 for13 the13 exciting13 and13 important13 developments13 in13 the13 field13 of13 amplitude13 calculations13 in13 supergravity13 and13 supersymmetric13 field13 theories13 in13 recent13 years13 13 13 One13 of13 our13 main13 activities13 is13 to13 organize13 workshops13 on13 recent13 exciting13 developments13 in13 areas13 represented13 in13 our13 Center13 These13 workshops13 have13 been13 very13 successful13 and13 contributed13 to13 the13 visibility13 of13 our13 Center13 greatly13 by13 bringing13 leading13 scientists13 working13 in13 these13 areas13 to13 Penn13 State13 They13 also13 foster13 the13 synergy13 in13 the13 Center13 For13 example13 last13 year13 M13 Bojowald13 M13 Gunaydin13 and13 P13 Xu13 organized13 a13 workshop13 on13 Non-shy‐Associativity13 in13 Physics13 and13 Related13 Mathematical13 Structures13 that13 brought13 together13 physicists13 and13 mathematicians13 including13 a13 field13 medalist13 13 Similarly13 in13 201313 A13 Ashtekar13 G13 Fleming13 and13 E13 Grosholz13 organized13 a13 workshop13 on13 Cosmology13 and13 Time13 that13 brought13 physicists13 and13 philosophers13 together13 We13 also13 initiated13 a13 series13 of13 workshops13 rotating13 between13 Penn13 State13 the13 Albert13 Einstein13 Institute13 in13 Potsdam13 Germany13 Cambridge13 University13 Imperial13 College13 and13 Texas13 AampM13 University13 13 13 13 Murat13 Gunaydin13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 February13 1613 201513
- Agenda
- 15rep-cavener
- Letter to the editor_ Lecture was outstanding _ Letters to the Editor _ CentreDaily
- governance-13
- CPGA-Highlights
- AMON Slides for Dean Cavener
-
- Pages from AMON_Statuspdf
- Pages from AMON_Status-2pdf
- Pages from AMON_Status-3pdf
- AMON MoU Listpdf
-
- ctocshort
- CFT_2015
-
effects13 and13 the13 big13 bang13 and13 big13 crunch13 singularities13 are13 replaced13 by13 big13 bounces13 in13 some13 of13 the13 loop13 quantum13 cosmology13 models13 13 13 The13 researchers13 in13 this13 field13 are13 currently13 trying13 to13 understand13 the13 physics13 of13 the13 early13 universe13 and13 thereby13 explain13 the13 current13 cosmological13 observations13 such13 as13 the13 large-shy‐scale13 structure13 of13 the13 observed13 universe13 13 13 Another13 current13 major13 research13 area13 in13 the13 center13 is13 the13 work13 on13 scattering13 amplitude13 calculations13 in13 supergravity13 theories13 and13 study13 of13 their13 finiteness13 properties13 13 Supergravity13 theories13 are13 extensions13 of13 Einsteinrsquos13 theory13 of13 general13 relativity13 whose13 quantization13 leads13 to13 additional13 particles13 other13 than13 the13 graviton13 which13 mediates13 the13 gravitational13 force13 13 Through13 a13 remarkable13 tour13 de13 force13 of13 technical13 calculation13 Radu13 Roiban13 and13 his13 co-shy‐workers13 showed13 that13 the13 maximal13 supergravity13 is13 finite13 up13 to13 four13 loops13 in13 perturbative13 quantum13 theory13 13 This13 was13 an13 unexpected13 result13 since13 the13 perturbative13 quantization13 of13 Einsteinrsquos13 general13 relativity13 leads13 to13 incurable13 infinities13 already13 at13 two13 loops13 This13 work13 has13 been13 one13 of13 the13 main13 motivators13 for13 the13 exciting13 and13 important13 developments13 in13 the13 field13 of13 amplitude13 calculations13 in13 supergravity13 and13 supersymmetric13 field13 theories13 in13 recent13 years13 13 13 One13 of13 our13 main13 activities13 is13 to13 organize13 workshops13 on13 recent13 exciting13 developments13 in13 areas13 represented13 in13 our13 Center13 These13 workshops13 have13 been13 very13 successful13 and13 contributed13 to13 the13 visibility13 of13 our13 Center13 greatly13 by13 bringing13 leading13 scientists13 working13 in13 these13 areas13 to13 Penn13 State13 They13 also13 foster13 the13 synergy13 in13 the13 Center13 For13 example13 last13 year13 M13 Bojowald13 M13 Gunaydin13 and13 P13 Xu13 organized13 a13 workshop13 on13 Non-shy‐Associativity13 in13 Physics13 and13 Related13 Mathematical13 Structures13 that13 brought13 together13 physicists13 and13 mathematicians13 including13 a13 field13 medalist13 13 Similarly13 in13 201313 A13 Ashtekar13 G13 Fleming13 and13 E13 Grosholz13 organized13 a13 workshop13 on13 Cosmology13 and13 Time13 that13 brought13 physicists13 and13 philosophers13 together13 We13 also13 initiated13 a13 series13 of13 workshops13 rotating13 between13 Penn13 State13 the13 Albert13 Einstein13 Institute13 in13 Potsdam13 Germany13 Cambridge13 University13 Imperial13 College13 and13 Texas13 AampM13 University13 13 13 13 Murat13 Gunaydin13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 February13 1613 201513
- Agenda
- 15rep-cavener
- Letter to the editor_ Lecture was outstanding _ Letters to the Editor _ CentreDaily
- governance-13
- CPGA-Highlights
- AMON Slides for Dean Cavener
-
- Pages from AMON_Statuspdf
- Pages from AMON_Status-2pdf
- Pages from AMON_Status-3pdf
- AMON MoU Listpdf
-
- ctocshort
- CFT_2015
-