| Abstract: |
This is primarily an introduction to modern observational cosmology for mathematicians, string theorists, and all other non-cosmologists. Recent observations of the cosmic microwave background radiation, the large-scale structure, and distant supernovae established the so-called standard cosmological model. I explain how the data from these observations are used to infer the existence of dark matter and dark energy, and to measure the respective energy densities now and then. I will then describe the history of the universe, with focuses on several recent hot topics in astronomy and cosmology. To be included are cosmic reionization, baryon budget, and supermassive blackholes. Finally, I discuss prospects for future observations that are aimed at revealing the nature of dark matter and dark energy. |
