Chained to a Desk for 72 Hours in the Name of Dark Energy

December 16, 2008

Here's the deal. I haven't left my apartment for close to 72 hours, and it's about the size of a walk-in closet. Maybe.

Not even kidding -- I feel like I'm just about ready for a long-duration mission to Mars, though my experience is surely no match for John Bohannon's recent "gonzonaut" feat of glory.

Why, you ask, would I do such a thing? And what does it have to do with space?

Here's your answer: The Wide Angle: Dark Energy. We take the news, stick a few pieces of dynamite into it, and blow it up for your reading, watching and listening pleasure...

Take a look at this package we've put together for you, which centers around this fascinating little story over at Discovery News:

• Top 10: Things You Didn't Know About Dark Energy
  If you thought you knew everything about dark energy, think again. Cosmologist Michael Turner shares 10 things you didn't know.
• Video: Study Sheds Light On Dark Energy
  New findings bolster the argument that dark energy is the reason our universe is expanding. James Williams explores the evidence.
• IM Interview: How To Hunt For Dark Energy
  Ever wonder how we know dark energy exists if we can't even see the stuff? We interview an X-ray astronomer.
• My Take: Exciting Times Ahead for Dark Energy Search
  Where is dark energy research headed in the future? An astronomer gives her take.
• Blog: The Dark Energy Doubters
  Some armchair astronomers simply don't believe all of this dark "stuff" exists. Find out why.
• Blog: Far Future Forecast: Deep Darkness
  How is dark energy going to shape the universe in the (really) far future?
• Blog: The Big Yawn
  What it's like to live with a cosmologist who's crazy about the biggest mysteries in the cosmos.
• HowStuffWorks: How The Fate Of The Universe Works

I'd like to especially point out the blog posts about dark energy above -- there's some really excellent stuff to be found in there.

Of all the work done on this little project, which we'll do for other big upcoming stories, I have to say chatting with Michael Turner was my favorite. Not because he's one of the best-known cosmologists these days, but because his excitement to chat with me about dark energy was palpable.

Here's a rough paraphrase of our chat to give you an idea:

Me: Hi Michael, I'd like to ask for your help in coming up with a list the top 10 things you didn't know about dark energy.

Michael Turner: Oh! That's so much fun. I have two other phone calls lined up -- the next any minute -- but they can wait.

Me: Are you sure? You can call me back if needed...

*phone rings on his end*

MT: Hold on one moment.

*muzak*

MT: Ok, Iet's do this thing.

Me: Was that the phone call you're expecting?

MT: Yes, but this one is going to be a lot more fun.

This is the same man who will do phone interviews while he's driving down the highway in a complete downpour. He hearts science. A lot.

At any rate, do me a big favor: Tell your grandmas and grandpas, moms and dads, brothers and sisters, kids, grandkids, great grandkids, great great grandkids, and cats/dogs/gerbils/zebras to check out what we put together for you!