Mario Livio

The Top Achievements of the Hubble Space Telescope

Abstract

I will review the top scientific achievements of the Hubble Space Telescope, and their impact on general culture. Topics will range from Dark Energy and Dark Matter to the cosmic star formation rate and the atmospheres of extrasolar planets. In addition, I'll review the penetration of the Hubble discoveries into areas other than physics and astronomy, from music and ballet to pop culture.

Biography

I am an astrophysicist at the Space Telescope Science Institute, which runs the scientific program of Hubble. I have been both Head of the Science Division at the Institute, and the Head of the Office of Public Outreach and Education. In addition to more than 400 scientific papers, I am the author of five popular science books, including The Golden Ratio and Brilliant Blunders.