Cork Astronomy Club is back at University College Cork! On 11th April, after a two year absence, we are delighted we can restore our monthly lectures to UCC. And our first in-person lecture will be from Paul Callanan, Professor of Physics and Astronomy at UCC and honorary member of Cork Astronomy Club.
Gravitational waves are ripples in the fabric of space-time predicted by Albert Einstein in 1915. Perhaps you can’t really visualise what “ripples in the fabric of space-time” even means? If so you’re not alone! Let Prof Callanan try to help you. He will describe how gravitational waves assist in the search for black holes, and what these mysterious objects are. And if you’re wondering how was it possible to capture that famous image of a black hole (above, right) where the pull of gravity is such that not even light can escape, he’ll explain that too.
We shall be using lecture theatre 1 in the Boole basement. We chose this mindful that our old room in the Civil Engineering building was sometimes full to its capacity of 100, and that some of our members and guests will be cautious about attending a crowded meeting. Boole 1 has more than twice the capacity of our old room. The Boole basement entrance is about 70 m north of the Civil Engineering building, see directions.
This lecture is open to all. There will also be club announcements and a sky this month presentation, and if you are new to our Club you will get a feel for our activities.
Start time 8 pm, and we aim to finish at 9.45. There will be an opportunity to stay and chat for a few minutes after the end of the formal meeting if you want to.
