SLAC Experts

Risa Wechsler

KIPAC Director, Professor of physics and of particle physics and astrophysics

Areas of research: Physics of the universe; cosmology; astrophysical simulations; galaxy formation; galaxy surveys; dark matter; dark energy

This is an exciting time in cosmology and astrophysics. KIPAC scientists at SLAC are involved in designing, building and analyzing the data from a number of projects that are truly opening new windows on the cosmos. These experiments and observatories promise to greatly enrich our fundamental understanding of the universe.”

Media contact Stanford profile

Video

Risa Wechsler, astrophysicist explains: 85% of the matter in the universe is dark matter, a substance that interacts through gravity but doesn't emit light.

Press Release

Once set in place atop a telescope in Chile, the 3,200-megapixel LSST Camera will help researchers better understand dark matter, dark energy and other...

News Feature

A new report outlines suggestions for federal investments needed for the next generation of transformative discoveries in particle physics and cosmology, including priority projects...

A web of dark matter, in which galaxies are forming.

News Feature

DESI has already mapped out more galaxies than all previous 3D surveys combined, and it's just getting started.

News Feature

For the first time, DES scientists can combine measurements of the distribution of matter, galaxies, and galaxy clusters to advance our understanding of dark...

A map of the sky showing the density of galaxy clusters, galaxies and matter

News Feature

The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument, which will map millions of galaxies in 3D from a mountaintop in Arizona, has reached its final milestone toward...

Risa Wechsler, astrophysicist explains: 85% of the matter in the universe is dark matter, a substance that interacts through gravity but doesn't emit light.

Once set in place atop a telescope in Chile, the 3,200-megapixel LSST Camera will help researchers better understand dark matter, dark energy and other mysteries of our universe.

A new report outlines suggestions for federal investments needed for the next generation of transformative discoveries in particle physics and cosmology, including priority projects at SLAC.

DESI has already mapped out more galaxies than all previous 3D surveys combined, and it's just getting started.

For the first time, DES scientists can combine measurements of the distribution of matter, galaxies, and galaxy clusters to advance our understanding of dark energy.

The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument, which will map millions of galaxies in 3D from a mountaintop in Arizona, has reached its final milestone toward its startup.

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SLAC events

Risa Wechsler

What is Dark Matter?

SLAC completes construction of the largest digital camera ever built for astronomy

Recommendations for U.S. government investments in particle physics include SLAC research priorities

Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument creates largest 3D map of the cosmos

Dark Energy Survey physicists open new window into dark energy

Now complete, DESI is poised to begin its search for answers about dark energy

Selected stories featuring Risa Wechsler