Black Holes and Other Dark Matters

Explore the fascinating world of black holes and dark matter in this captivating lecture by Dr. Marc Kamionkowski of Johns Hopkins University. Delve into the groundbreaking discovery of gravitational waves by the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO) and its implications for our understanding of stellar mass black holes. Learn about the intriguing hypothesis that these massive black holes could potentially constitute the elusive dark matter in galaxies. Examine the evidence supporting this theory and consider the challenges it faces. Gain insights into the LIGO project, its observatories, and the collaborative efforts that led to this monumental discovery. Journey through topics such as laser interferometry, binary black hole systems, and their origins. Explore related phenomena like fast radio bursts and their potential connections to dark matter. This comprehensive talk, recorded live at the Space Telescope Science Institute, offers a deep dive into cutting-edge astrophysics research and its potential to reshape our understanding of the universe.