The fundamental constants of nature must fall within a range of values in order for the universe to develop structure and ultimately support life. The relevant parameters include the strengths of the fundamental forces, particle masses, cosmic energy densities, abundances of ordinary matter and dark matter, and the amplitude of primordial density fluctuations.  This talk considers current constraints on these quantities and assesses the degree of tuning required for the universe to be viable.

About the Speaker:

Fred Adams received his PhD in Physics from the University of California, Berkeley in 1988, served as a postdoc at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, and then joined the faculty at the University of Michigan in 1991. He is the recipient of the Robert J.  Trumpler Award from the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, the Helen B. Warner Prize from the American Astronomical Society, and the National Science Foundation Young Investigator Award. At Michigan, he received the Excellence in Education Award, the Excellence in Research Award, the Faculty Recognition Award, and was elected to the Michigan Society of Fellows. Adams was subsequently elected to be a fellow of the American Physical Society and was named as the Ta-you Wu Collegiate Professor of Physics at the University of Michigan.