ATHENS, Ohio -- Robert Kirshner, a professor of astronomy at Harvard University, will talk about the "dark energy" that accelerates cosmic expansion at 8 p.m., Monday, Sept. 30, at Ohio University's Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium as part of the Frontiers in Science Lecture Series. The talk is free and open to the public. A book signing and reception will follow.

His work on the acceleration of the universe was hailed as the "Scientific Breakthrough of the Year for 1998" by Science Magazine, the same year he was elected to the National Academy of Sciences. Kirshner's research involves the observation of supernovae, supernova remnants, galaxy dynamics and evolution and large-scale galaxy distributions.

Kirshner, who received his doctorate in astronomy from the California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, Calif., in 1974, has published more than 200 research papers dealing with supernova, large-scale galaxy distribution and the size and shape of the universe.

The Frontiers in Science series brings premier scientists to campus to discuss the role of science in people's daily lives and promote communication between scientists and non-scientists.

For more information visit: www.ohiou.edu/apaa/fis