Gemini, UH-Hilo Talk on Gravitation Waves with Dr. Reitz

UH-Hilo Science and Technology Building. University of Hawai’i photo.

Dr. David Reitz will be featured at a public talk on May 10 at 7 p.m., hosted by Gemini Observatory and the University of Hawai’i at Hilo, on the recent detection of gravitation waves.

Dr. Reitz, Director of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory, will present his insights on the detection of gravitation waves and share his insight on the revolutionary detection of gravitational waves and their profound impact on the universe.

Late last year, scientists from the LIGO Scientific Collaboration and the Virgo Collaboration using LIGO detectors directly measured the gravitational waves emitted during the collision, and subsequent fusion, of two black holes.

Einstein first predicted the existence of gravitational waves 100 years ago while developing his influential theory of relativity, but it wasn’t until 50 years later that scientists could even begin searching for them.

“The first ever observation of colliding black holes by LIGO has revealed a completely new chapter in how we understand the Universe,” said Dr. Reitze. “This is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting journey towards understanding the gravitational-wave sky!”

Dr. Reitze will discuss the scientific story behind the detection, and how gravitational-wave astronomy promises to change our understanding of the high-energy Universe.

“Through this talk, our UH-Hilo students and community will have a chance to learn about the relevance and impact of this experimental confirmation of Einstein’s revolutionary theories,” said Dr. Marianne Takamiya, department chair of the UH-Hilo Department of Physics and Astronomy.