How can scientists study the past, present and future of the cosmos? Find out how computers can help.

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This lecture was recorded at the Ri on 5 February 2024.

Join Professor of Cosmology and science communicator Andrew Pontzen as he uncovers how intricate computer codes have unlocked our understanding of the universe – from galaxies and black holes to the very essence of matter itself. Simulations have also revolutionized our understanding of the cosmos, shedding new light on the universe's multifaceted complexities. They are the windows through which we peer into the hidden dimensions of space, guiding us through a journey from the phenomenon of cosmic redshift, which unveiled the universe's accelerating expansion, to the ethereal concept of dark matter, a substance that traverses solid rock as if it were a ghostly apparition.

But of course, none of these breakthroughs would be possible without the tireless efforts of scientists, whose brilliant minds persist to push the boundaries of knowledge. Join Andrew on a journey through space and time, with science, simulations and unrelenting human curiosity as your guides.

00:00 Introduction
2:20 What we can observe in the universe?
7.28 Dark matter and dark energy
9.27 Gravitational lensing
12:08 Looking back in time at the universe
14:47 The role of gravity and dark matter
16:21 The history of computing in physics
22:12 Weather forecasts, cosmology, and initial conditions
28:09 Using computers to predict the weather
35:22 Early models of our universe from physicists
42:34 Predicting our changing climate
45:02 Using computer simulations for cosmology
55:32 Are we living inside a copmuter simulation?

Andrew Pontzen is a professor of cosmology at University College London. He has written for the New Scientist, BBC Sky at Night and BBC Science Focus; lectured at the Royal Institution; appeared on BBC, Amazon Prime and Discovery Channel documentaries; and contributed to BBC Radio 4 programmes including Inside Science and The Curious Cases of Rutherford & Fry. Computer simulations are a major part of his research which spans cosmology, physics and computation.

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