During this 90-minute virtual panel discussion, physicists Scott Dodelson and Stacy McGaugh will address one of the most controversial questions facing contemporary physics: whether or not the standard cosmological model is valid, and in particular, whether evidence supports the existence of dark matter—and/or, whether evidence supports a modification of Newton's laws of gravity. 

Professor Dodelson defends the standard cosmological model, according to which the laws of general relativity taken together with dark matter can adequately account for the evolution of the universe up to the present. Professor McGaugh, by contrast, argues that evidence supports the need to modify our understanding of how matter behaves under the influence of gravity, without invoking any need for the existence of dark matter. Each speaker will deliver an opening presentation 20 minutes followed by a response round and audience Q&A. 

This event is sponsored by the Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) Department of Physics, the NEIU Libraries, and the NEIU Heterodox Academy Campus Community. Please register in advance.