On December 2, the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) held an academic lecture titled “Investigating the Mysteries of the Dark Universe -the Origin of the Universe, the Formation of Planets, and the Birth of Life” at Miraikan (National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation) in Odaiba, Tokyo.
Three lectures were given by three scientists from overseas: Dr. Eiichiro Komatsu talked about cosmology explaining how the universe began and how it will be; Prof. Ewine van Dishoeck talked about the exploration of chemical substances in the universe to find out the origin of life; and Dr. Thijis de Graauw talked about the ALMA project with its mechanism and the current status of construction.
The audience listened attentively to the world’s leading researchers talks. The lecture was broadcast via the Internet and shared with about 50 to 120 viewers constantly. You can see the video on Ustream . The lectures of van Dishoeck and de Graauw were simultaneously translated into Japanese. The lecture of Komatsu was given in Japanese.
The picture below shows the speakers answering the questions from participants: (From left) Komatsu; van Dishoeck; and de Graauw.
- Program
- “Front line of Modern Cosmology” by Dr. Eiichiro Komatsu (Director of the Department of Physical Cosmology, Max-Plank Institute for Astrophysics, Germany)
- “Building stars, planets and the ingredients for life between the stars” by Prof. Ewine van Dishoeck (Professor of Molecular Astrophysics at Leiden University)
- “ALMA Opens his eyes” by Dr. Thijis de Graauw (Director of the Joint ALMA Observatory)
