All Eyes on the Universe

The true nature of Dark Matter has eluded Physicists for close to 100 years now, due to it being completely invisible to light. However, we can still observe its effects on the matter around it, allowing us to study its properties. One of the methods we can use involves the observations of hydrogen gas clouds in galaxies. During my talk I will explore the challenges astrophysicists face and how through ingenuity and grit they observe the invisible with invisible.

The launch of the James Webb Space Telescope marked a transformative step for exoplanet science, delivering unprecedented precision in atmospheric observations. In this talk, I will introduce the study of exoplanets and their atmospheres, before highlighting recent techniques that probe the 3-dimensional structure of these atmospheres. I will show how subtle differences in a planet’s atmosphere allow us to map how temperature, composition, and winds change around the planet.

The Art of Astrophysics showcases the work of interdisciplinary artist, educator and comic Gaz Lawrence, who collaborates with astrophysicists to rethink how we visualise the universe. What began as a two-day project has grown into a three-year exploration, resulting in paintings that are invisible to the naked eye but revealed through thermal imaging. These works challenge our perception and highlight how non-visible light can uncover hidden aspects of the cosmos, demonstrating how contemporary art can engage audiences with complex science.