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 Media Advisory - April 23, 2001


 PA/M 01-17


 Astrophysics Flies High at APS Meeting in D.C.

 The elements and forces that shape the universe and are explored in research supported by the National
 Science Foundation (NSF) are highlighted at the American Physical Society meeting at the Renaissance
 Hotel in Washington, D.C., April 28-May 1, 2001. Science content of items below is embargoed until
 the time of presentation.

 Cosmic Microwave Background: Measurements from the South Pole - The Degree Angular Scale
 lnterferometer (DASI), a microwave detector based in Antarctica, observes the distribution of early
 matter as represented in the minute temperature differences in the cosmic microwave background
 radiation. John Carlstrom, leader of the DASI team, reveals the first results of the team's test of the
 inflationary theory of the universe.
 Press conference: Sunday, April 29, 10 a.m.
 Invited session: H4, Sunday, April 29, 10:45 a.m.

 Imaging the Early Universe: Mapping the Cosmic Microwave Background - Andrew Lange and
 the BOOMERANG team, using a microwave telescope borne by a high-altitude balloon launched from
 Antarctica, provided the first high-resolution images of the cosmic microwave background, the minute
 temperature variations in the early universe. The results led to conclusions about the curvature of the
 universe. Lange predicts such precision science will characterize cosmology in the future.
 Plenary session: A1, Saturday, April 28, 8:30 a.m.

 Bouchet Award Recognizes Gravity Research - Long-time NSF grantee Jorge Pullin of Pennsylvania
 State University will receive the 2001 Bouchet Award for his studies of gravitational wave propagation
 and quantum theory of gravity and his efforts to increase diversity in the field of physics as a founding
 member of the National Society of Hispanic Physicists. The award recognizes the contributions of
 distinguished minority physicists. Pullin is exploring quantum gravity through numerical simulations of
 the gravity of black holes.
 Bouchet Award talk: V11, Tuesday morning, May 1
 Oral session: B13, Saturday morning, April 28

 For more information contact:
 Amber Jones (703) 292-8070/aljones@nsf.gov