"Is Everything We Know About The Big Bang Wrong?"

"Is Everything We Know About The Big Bang Wrong?
With Andrew Jaffe

Summary
Over the last few years, astronomers have built ever more ambitious and sophisticated telescopes, launched on satellites and deployed to the darkest and most remote places on earth. These have enabled the most precise measurements yet of the state of the cosmos, fleshing out the details of our Big Bang model for the history and evolution of the Universe. Different teams, using different equipment and even more different methods, try to characterise how the expansion of our Universe changes over time — and they get different results. Does this mean that our model is wrong? Or the measurements? Once we start pulling at one thread, might the whole tapestry of the Big Bang come apart?

Bio
Andrew Jaffe is Professor of Astrophysics and Cosmology at Imperial College, where he is the director of the Imperial Centre for Inference and Cosmology. He studies the history and evolution of the Universe, and how we can use modern statistical and computational tools to analyse data from some of the most powerful telescopes and satellites ever built. He is the author of The Random Universe, published in 2025 by Yale University Press.


Venue:
The Blues Kitchen Brixton, 40 Acre Ln, London SW2 5SP

Event Running Time:
Doors: 7pm
Introduction: 7:25pm
Lecture: 7:30pm
Q&A: 8:10pm

Food:
If you plan on eating at the venue, we recommend arriving as early as possible so the kitchen can get your order out before the talk starts.

FAQs:

What is Pints of Knowledge?

Pints of Knowledge is a series of public talks where experts, researchers, and big thinkers share fascinating ideas all in the relaxed setting of a pub. We bring brilliant minds and curious audiences together over a pint, covering topics from science and politics to history, art, and beyond.

What happens at Pints of Knowledge?

At each Pints of Knowledge event, you’ll hear engaging talks (approx. 40 minutes) from expert speakers on fascinating topics — followed by an audience Q&A (approx. 20 minutes). The vibe is informal and social, set in a pub where you can grab a drink, meet interesting people, and enjoy big ideas in a relaxed setting.

What if I don't drink alcohol?

No problem at all! Pints of Knowledge is all about the ideas and the community, not the drinks. You’re welcome to enjoy a soft drink, coffee, or whatever you prefer. The focus is on creating a relaxed, social atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable.

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Yes, there is always the option to purchase food at our events.

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Is the event pet friendly?

Yes, we allow pets to attend but reserve the right to request their removal if they are disruptive.