Series: Astronomy Colloquium
Date: Tuesday 10-Sep-2024
Time: 14:30-16:00 (2:30-4:00 pm)
Location: PHY 1410 (SPECIAL Astronomy and Physics Colloquium)
Speaker: Dr. Reinhard Genzel (2020 Nobel Laureate in Physics-UCLA)
Title: "Experimental Studies of Black Holes: Status & Prospects"
More than a century ago, Albert Einstein presented his general theory of gravitation. One of the predictions of this theory is that not only particles and objects with mass, but also the quanta of light, photons, are tied to the curvature of space-time, and thus to gravity. There must be a critical mass density, above which photons cannot escape. These are black holes. It took 50 years before possible candidate objects were identified by observational astronomy. Another 50 years passed until we can finally present detailed and credible experimental evidence that black holes of 10 to 1010 times the mass of the sun exist in the universe. Three very different experimental techniques have enabled these critical experimental breakthroughs. It has become possible to investigate the space-time structure in the vicinity of the event horizons of black holes. I will summarize these interferometric techniques and discuss the spectacular recent improvements achieved with all three techniques. In conclusion, I will sketch where the path of exploration and inquiry may lead in the next decades.
In-person colloquia are usually preceded by espresso and ice cream at 1:45 pm outside room PSC 1150 and are followed by an informal reception at 5:15 pm in that room. Anyone interested in talking with the speaker, or being added to the colloquium announcement email list, should contact the colloquium organizer Dr. Richard Mushotzky. Lunch will normally be reserved for the speaker to talk to graduate students. Anyone asking a question during a talk is asked to raise their hand and be acknowledged before speaking. Contact Dr. Richard Mushotzky for details.
Colloquium Organizer:
Dr. Richard Mushotzky
Special accommodations for individuals with disabilities can be made by calling (301) 405-3001. It would be appreciated if we are notified at least one week in advance.
