Spring Meeting
MAA Ohio Section
April 5-6, 2002
Measuring the Universe (Part 1: Curvature)
Astract: What does it mean for space to be curved? Hands-on constructions will
introduce curvature in 2-dimensional surfaces, and interactive computer
graphics will extend the concept to 3-dimensional space. We'll then go on to
see how current astronomical observations are revealing the curvature of
the physical universe, while simultaneously raising new questions about the
matter and energy it contains.
Measuring the Universe (Part 2: Topology)
Abstract: Is the universe really infinite? The first half of this
presentation will use computer games to show how space may be finite, yet have
no boundary. Interactive 3D graphics will then take the viewer on a tour of
several possible shapes for space. We'll see how the same satellite data that
is already revealing the curvature of the universe might soon reveal its
overall shape (its "topology") as well.
Jeffrey Weeks
Jeff Weeks is a freelance mathematician living in Canton, NY. He has an A.B.
from Dartmouth College and a Ph.D. from Princeton University, both in
mathematics. His main interests are geometry, topology, education and
cosmology. After several years of teaching undergraduate mathematics, he
resigned to care for his newborn son. When his son began school, Jeff began
doing mathematical research and software development for the University of
Minnesota's Geometry Center, designing and implementing software for creating
and studying possible shapes for 3-dimensional space. Currently a MacArthur
Fellow, he splits his time between research and education. His present
research centers on a collaboration with cosmologists, with whom he plans to
test the shape of the universe using satellite data to become available in
2002-2010. His educational activities have lead to a multimedia unit for middle
schools on geometry and space. The unit uses classroom activities, computer
games, and video to let students explore universes that are finite but have no
boundaries. Jeff is the author of the book The Shape of Space (Marcel Dekker,
1985; second edition 2002), the unit Exploring the Shape of Space (Key
Curriculum Press, 2001), and various research and expository articles.
Return to meeting page.
Return to the Ohio Section Home Page
Maintained by the
Department of
Mathematics and Statistics, Bowling Green State University,
Bowling Green, Ohio 43403-0221. Address comments and suggestions
to hern@wcnet.org.