Last week RCFC member Dan Ward, took on us a tour of the universe. Dan has a Bachelor of Engineering Science and a PhD in Nuclear Physics and ( lucky for us), a remarkable interest and understanding of our universe.The "clear sky" (away from our urban lights) was shared with pictures of "nearby" galaxies and other astronomical images. Sourced from the Hubble telescope and other sites, these colorful images were awe-inspiring and beautiful at the same time.
We struggled with Dan to comprehend the "gargantuan" size of the universe and our (miniscule) place in it. The importance and character of "dark energy" and "dark matter" was explored.
Finally, Dan discussed the "expanding universe", the "Big Bang" and the possible forces that drive these phenomena. Although this is the "Golden Age of Astronomy" we were all left with many questions to be answered by future generations.