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In 1915 Einstein introduced to the world `General Theory of Relativity’, a new theory of gravity as the theory of space-time. 100 years later this theory is still mysterious in many ways as we try to understand physics of black holes, time warps, wormholes and contemplate the reality of time travel. Cosmological time evolution from the beginning of the universe to the current epoch is also obtained from this theory. We bring the story of the discovery of General Relativity and its uses as part of an outreach activity on December 10th 2015 15:30-17:00 in C674. Everyone is welcome.
Program:
Talk by Arundhati Dasgupta 15:30-16:00
Title: 100 years of General Relativity: From Black Holes to Gravity Waves
Abstract: We give a review of the progress of general relativity, Einstein’s theory of gravity since 1915. We discuss how the theory changed our perception of space-time, introducing bizarre objects such as black holes, wormholes and taught us how even time can be warped. Today it has uses in everyday life e.g. in GPS, and yet we have not found gravity waves. We discuss the future of this theory, and if we will ever solve the puzzle of unifying general relativity with quantum physics.
Demonstrations: show of curved space, wormholes, schematic time machine, use of general theory of relativity in GPS.
16:00-16:30
Talk by Locke Spencer 16:30-17:00
Title: The Age of Precision Cosmology
Abstract: Many ideas and theories about the origins of the Universe have been posed through history, including those of Einstein in the early 20th century. With technological advances these concepts can be probed and explored in much greater detail than ever before. This talk presents some of the history of cosmological measurements and related work, from the time of Einstein to our present day.
Contact:
Catherine Drenth | catherine.drenth@uleth.ca | (403) 329-2280