Big Bang, Black Holes & Gravitational Waves by Abhay Ashtekar

Overview

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Explore the fascinating history and paradigm shifts in cosmology, black holes, and gravitational waves in this captivating lecture by Abhay Ashtekar. Delve into the development of general relativity and its applications to the universe as a whole, including the Big Bang theory and cosmic microwave background. Discover the curious history of black holes, from early predictions to their current role in explaining energetic cosmic phenomena. Learn about gravitational waves as novel cosmic messengers and their groundbreaking detection on Earth. Gain valuable insights into how scientific progress unfolds, including the challenges faced by new ideas and the importance of courage, patience, and maturity in advancing fundamental science.

Syllabus

Date: 21 August 2019, 16:00 to
Introduction
Introduction to Speaker
Big Bang, Black Holes and Gravitational Waves Illustrations of Paradigm Shifts in Fundamental Science
Setting the stage: The goal of this talk
Space, Time and Gravity
Gravity fuses with Space-Time Geometry
Discovery of General Relativity
On General Relativity
Side Remark: But does it matter in practical terms?
Organization
2. Cosmology Application of GR to the Universe As a Whole
The Issue of the Beginning: Curious History
The Big Bang: Twists and Turns
A Paradigm Shift
Cosmic Microwave Background
COBE & WMAP Image Credits: NASA
Planck Satellite launched 2009
Organization: Warping of space-time & Black Holes
Black Holes: End of Space & Time
Our Own Black Hole: sgr A*
Amazingly, predictions appeared over 230 years ago! Based on Newton's law of Gravitation
Curious History of Black Holes in GR
Prominent Examples of the reluctance
Now: BHs routinely invoked as engines driving the most energetic explosions in the universe
Ripples on space-time: Gravitational waves
Gravitational Waves: Curious History
Resolution of the confusion
Novel Cosmic Messengers
Direct detections on earth: Triumph of Human ingenuity.
Summary
Lessons
Q&A