Brentwood Library: Einstein Was Right! : The Discovery of Gravitational Waves

Presenter: Heather Fong, Graduate Student, Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics.

The direct detections of gravitational waves mark a monumental breakthrough in physics and astronomy. Gravitational waves - ripples in the fabric of spacetime - were first predicted to exist by Albert Einstein in his theory of general relativity.

Einstein's important hypothesis was finally validated one hundred years later by an experiment called the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) which have made not one, but two direct detections of gravitational waves. LIGO's achievement is the product of decades of research and development, and these detections have opened up an entirely new way with which to explore the Universe.

In her talk, Heather Fong will discuss how LIGO detected these gravitational waves, the impact of this discovery, and how this is only the beginning of a new, exciting era in astrophysics.

Drop-In Program. First Come, First Seated.

Who can attend: Everyone
Fee: Free
Registration: Not required
Organized by: Toronto Public Library
Location: Program Room, 36 Brentwood Road North, Toronto, ON M8X 2B5, 416-394-5240

http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/detail.jsp?Entt=RDMEVT268358&R=EVT268358