The College of New Jersey

Thulsi Wickramasinghe

Department of Physics

Research Interests in Cosmology

I am working on the modification of theory of gravitational lensing when the lens is in motion with the dark energy is taken into account. This results in non trivial modifications to lensing both in weak field and strong filed limits. I am particularly interested in the velocity dispersions of distant galaxies and how they can be indications of nature of their respective local enviorment.

My student and I have been calculating the gravitational lensing properties of charged blackholes.

In joint project, I am also working to understand the nature of the dark energy in the context of the standard model of particle physics.

I have also been working on the various distance estimates in the universe dominated by dark energy.

Research Interests in Observational Astronomy

With astronomers at the European Observatory astronomers, I have used large telescopes in Chile to observe the haloes of very distant galaxies too see if there exists any young stars. Our findings have been positive so far challenging the modern theories of galaxy formation.

Research Interests in Mathematics

In a short, joint project, we are considering the proof of an inequality for the orthant probabilities of a multivariate t-distribution.

Research Interests in Archeoastronomy

I am deeply interested Archeoastronomy, especially in ancient Egypt. I believe that sighting of stars by the ancient Egyptians may provide an exceedingly accurate unique method of deducing when certain accurately aligned structures were erected.

Research Interests in Astrobiology

A critical look at the modern astronomical observations and at the nature life here on Earth, it is natural to expect the fact that life must be commonplace throughout the universe. I am particularly interested in the possibility of at least microbial life on Mars. I am very keen on the latest discovery of Methane in the atmosphere of Mars.