This course explores the implications of the detection of colliding black holes and neutron stars, delving into the creation of these cosmic mergers and their impact on our understanding of the universe. Participants discuss topics such as gravitational waves, stellar evolution, LIGO, and the observation of stellar events. The course aims to educate learners on the phenomena of black hole and neutron star collisions, providing insights into the field of multi-messenger gravitational wave astronomy. The intended audience includes individuals interested in astrophysics, astronomy, and the latest advancements in gravitational wave research.
Overview
Syllabus
- Participant Intros.
- Is the detection of gravitation waves humankind’s greatest achievement?
- The first confirmed discovery of an Einstein black hole using gravitational waves.
- What happens when neutron stars collide?
- What is a quark?
- How do pairs of black holes or neutron stars collide?
- Stellar evolution.
- What is LIGO doing, how does it work?
- What are gravitation waves and what does their detection reveal to us?
- Simulation of how gravitational waves are formed from the collision of neutron stars.
- What is the ‘chirp’ and what does it tell us?
- How can pairs of neutron stars create tides, and what does it tells about the state of matter?
- How do you determine mass and spin from observations of black holes?
- What was observed in the SWIFT experiment?
- How do you make multiple coordinated observations of stellar events like the collision of neutron stars or black holes?
Taught by
World Science Festival
