The Expanding Universe - July 17, 2017

Perspective.

The U.S. space program seems, at times, to be a shadow of its former self. It is almost as if the effort to reach beyond our grasp no longer excites us. The idea that the distances are so vast and the dollars needed are so many that cutbacks in our efforts are inevitable. On this week’s Perspective program a look at an expanding universe and something called “dark energy” and why one Nobel Prize winning scientist says understanding them both presents one of the greatest remaining challenges in astrophysics and cosmology, and the U.S. space program is an important cog in reaching that understanding.

Guest: Adam Riess, a professor of astronomy and physics at Johns Hopkins University and a senior member of the Science staff at the Space Telescope Science Institute.

Perspective is a weekly public affairs program hosted by Richard Baker, communications professor at Kansas State University. Perspective has been continuously produced for radio stations across the nation by K-State for well over six decades. The program has included interviews with dignitaries, authors and thought leaders from around the world. Send comments, questions or requests for copies of past programs to [e-mail].