Fields, Motion, Vision: Exploring the Hidden Cosmos

Gravity is the main force shaping our Universe. But there is another, hidden, yet significant, force in space: magnetic fields. They are present everywhere we look. Join me on a journey through the magnetic Universe, starting from our own Earth and the Sun to the vast interstellar space and entire galaxies. Along the way, I'll share insights into how magnetic fields might be generated, though much remains unknown. Understanding cosmic magnetic fields is a key area of modern astrophysics research since they influence galaxy evolution, regulate the formation of stars, control solar activity, and shield humanity from harmful space radiation.

The University of Bonn is a key partner in the Fred Young Submillimeter Telescope (FYST), a state-of-the-art 6-meter telescope built in North Rhine-Westphalia and now en route to its high-altitude site in Chile. This cutting-edge observatory will advance research in galaxy evolution, cosmology, and star formation, deepening our understanding of the cosmos. In this talk, I will explore FYST’s development and highlight the groundbreaking science it will enable.

What shapes can light take, and do different lights have different shapes? The answer is yes. I'll show various shapes of light, explore if they can be altered, and demonstrate that light from distant stars also has evolving shapes. I'll explain the motion of these stars, even when it's not immediately visible. Changing shapes imply motion, and I hope we'll one day detect even these subtle movements.