Cosmological Probes of Gravity Beyond General Relativity
Speaker
Date
Time
Place
Astro-Math Building (R1412)
Abstract
Several modifications to general relativity have been proposed to explain the nature of dark energy and the accelerated expansion of the Universe. In this talk, I will review the current status of modified theories of gravity, focusing on astrophysical probes in the nonlinear regime. I will begin by outlining the expected behavior of theories beyond General Relativity in various astrophysical systems and their cosmological signatures. With this foundation, I will present a range of observational tests, emphasizing the use of current and next-generation observations for testing gravity. Specifically, I will demonstrate how physical observables in the nonlinear regime of structure formation serve as promising probes for constraining theoretical models in the nonlinear dynamics of galaxies, clusters, and large-scale structure.
Biography
David Mota is a Portuguese theoretical cosmologist and Professor of Astrophysics at the University of Oslo. His research focuses on the interface between cosmology and fundamental physics, particularly on dark energy, modified gravity, and the dynamics of scalar fields in the early and late Universe. Mota has made important contributions to understanding how alternative theories of gravity can be tested through cosmological and astrophysical observations, including their effects on structure formation and screening mechanisms.