dr. roberto trotta. professor trotta is a theoretical cosmologist in a astro i physics groups. one of the world leading figures in astro astro physics, focusing on using statistical methods to solve problems in cosmology and astro physics. roberto has held research positions at the university of geneva, university of oxford, as well as visiting positions at the african institute for mathematical sciences in capetown. and university of california at santa barbara. also published more than 50 scientific papers-contributed to two books, and received numerous awards for his research, including michael -- of case western university. the award of the british association for the advancement of science, and a public engagement fellowship by the science and technology facilities council, u.k. pleaseman in me in welcoming dr. roberto trotta. [applause] >> thank you. good evening, everyone. and thanks for being here. and very pleased to be here tonight in such an amazing place. i love this city. sits on the edge of a big body of water, looking towards where the sun goes down. i love the u

dr. roberto trotta. [applause] >> thank you. good evening, everyone, and thanks for being here. i'm very pleased to be here tonight in such an amazing place. i love this city that sits on the edge of the big body of water looking towards where the sun goes down. i love are its ups and down, its ever-surprising corners and, of course, its people. [laughter] so this really is a perfect place for me to be giving the first of several talks about my new book, "the edge of the sky." the book came out of a little idea that it should be possible to talk about very hard things in a straightforward way that all people can understand. the problem with people like me, you see, is that sometimes we get carried away and speak about the work using words that only other -- [inaudible] people can understand. this makes it not possible to have a conversation with other people, people like you. after a while your eyes will begin to stare into empty space, and you probably walk away as soon as you can with a silent sigh, happy to have escaped. [laughter] it's like talking with only the most-used is