The structure of the universe: an ANU public lecture given on December 15, 1983 by Sir Denys Wilkinson

Abstract

Recorded at Huxley Theatre, 15 December 1983. -- Sir Denys Wilkinson is given an introduction by Professor Carver. Sir Denys starts by talking about some of the early Greek and Roman philosophers and their ideas concerning the structure of the universe and then shows a series of slides to illustrate his talk; and speaks about some of the forces that have shaped the universe starting with gravity, then solar energy, electro-magnetic radiation and the force that holds the nucleus of the atom together; and briefly describes the function of each of these forces, showing how essential they are to the formation and continuation of life. He then speaks of the progress being made by scientists in defining the relationships between these forces; and goes on to outline the strengths of these forces and the various factors that can affect their strengths. He describes the theoretical beginings of the universe and what is expected by scientists to happen at its end; and then talks of the general structure of the universe made up of galaxies composed of a certain number of stars and giving the typical dimensions and shape of many of these galaxies. He also speaks about their movements, explaining how the universe is expanding and some of the problems and discrepancies this has revealed to the scientists studying it. He describes how distances are measured in astronomy and then speaks about some of the biggest objects so far discovered in the universe; going on to talk about some of the smallest including the sub-structure of matter composed of atoms. Sir Denys then speaks about the various forces of attraction and replusion in action and the way in which messages are exchanged between atomic particles, explaining how scientists detect these particles with the use of accelerating equipment; and describing the symetrical relationships between the various particles. He goes on to explain how they join together to join composite units; in particular, how particles called quarks form units that are impossible to break apart.