Abstract: 

Inflation is a relatively simple idea that accounts remarkably well for a number of the features of the observed Universe.  These features appear as very subtle patterns in the primordial mass distribution. I will explain how measurements have been used to verify a number of inflation’s predictions.  I will then describe an assortment of other subtle patterns predicted by various models for inflation that can be sought with future galaxy surveys and cosmic microwave background measurements.
 

Host: Nevin Weinberg