Center of Gravity Seminar: Watse Sybesma

Title: Exploring Quantum Features of de Sitter Space from an Observer’s Perspective

Abstract: Black holes provide an abiding source for puzzles that highlight tensions between quantum effects and gravity. In this context the information paradox is arguable the most notorious puzzle. Studying and resolving tensions that arise in such puzzles teaches us about quantum gravity, which is an outstanding problem. Meanwhile, our expanding universe is well approximated by de Sitter space, for which notions of quantum gravity remain elusive. In this talk I will carefully review and adopt lessons from studying black holes and use those to learn about de Sitter space. I will especially explore thermodynamics and complexity in de Sitter space in the context of recent discussions advocating an explicit inclusion of an observer.