StronGrHEP · Strong Gravity and High-Energy Physics

Strong Gravity and High-Energy Physics

"Theoretical physics is the effort to create mathematical models that describe phenomena in nature and to make predictions with these models that can be tested through experiment and observation. The standard model (SM) of particle physics and Einstein's theory of general relativity (GR) are the two main pillars of modern day theoretical physics that provide us with a magnificent framework to understand much of what we see in the universe, from particle collisions to the expansion of the cosmos. And yet, there are gaps in this exquisite picture and indications that something is not quite right or, at least, incomplete in our understanding of the world of physics. Galactic rotation curves, the accelerated expansion of the universe and precision measurements of the cosmic microwave background cannot be explained in terms of the visible matter. Either we accept the existence of an unknown form of ""dark matter"" and ""dark energy"", whose form we can not satisfactorily explain within the standard model of particle physics, or we are prepared to modify the laws of gravity beyond Einstein's relativity. These questions are deeply related to the nature of gravity and the quest for answers forms the core of our RISE project. More specifically, the goals of our project can be summarized as follows. (1) What can we learn about the enigmatic dark matter from observing black holes? (2) Are black holes really the specific class of objects described by general relativity or is there yet another twist in their saga? (3) Can we directly observe the spacetime distortion created by black holes in the form of the shadows they cast? (4) How can we test whether Einstein's theory is also correct in the regime of extremely strong gravity? Do we need to generalize the theory? (5) Does our world have more than four dimensions which would explain the weakness of gravity? From a practically minded viewpoint, one might wonder, of course, why we should pursue questions like this when immediate technical benefit is not obvious. History, however, thunders a warning against such a viewpoint: Fundamental research may at times be glacially slow in providing practical benefits, but in the end it always does and does so with the overwhelming power of a glacier. Quantum mechanics, for instance, forms the foundation for all modern electronics. Number theory, pursued as early as about 3000 years ago in antique Greece, became the foundation of modern day encryption in the 20th century. General relativity itself found its way into the multi-billion Euro business of global positioning."

Текст от CORDIS, на английски · Данни: CORDIS, © Европейски съюз