Modern Physics and Astrophysics

Instructor: Tony Fainberg
March 18, 20, 22
1-3 p.m.

This three-day course will first present a quick overview of “modern physics,” which generally refers to relativity, quantum mechanics, and much related physics that derives from these new fields, developed in the first half of the 20th century. Overturning the certitude of “classical physics” required the conceptualization of profoundly clever experiments, together with new intuitions that led to subtle theories of how differently the laws of nature operate at very small – now known to be atomic – scales. The implications of this new physics on humankind’s concept of the universe – at very large scales – will be presented. We will then focus on major developments in astrophysics and in our understanding of the nature and the evolution of the universe – namely cosmology. We will also touch on some of the principal questions that are now being investigated. Finally, continuing with recent developments in astrophysics and cosmology, we will discuss some results from the Hubble Space Telescope and, just this past year, even more surprising results and photographs from the new James Webb Space Telescope, which are both still probing the universe, observing ever further back in time.

Dr. Tony Fainberg earned his doctorate in experimental particle physics some 60 years ago at UC Berkeley. Following his degree, he worked in this field at various laboratories in Europe and the United States for about 15 years. He then transitioned into applied physics work at Brookhaven National Laboratory, supporting nuclear non-proliferation policies for the U.S. Department of Energy and the International Atomic Energy Organization. In 1983, he became a Congressional Science Fellow for the American Physical Society, then worked in the U.S. government, both in Congress and the Executive Branch, for over two decades. He specialized in studies at the interface of physics and policy, specifically in the areas of arms control and counterterrorism, later continuing similar work with non-profit organizations. He is now retired and trying not to forget stuff.