Stargazing Lecture

Stargazing is dependent on clear weather, but lecture and Q&A happen regardless. Event will occur in-person, with lecture and Q&A additionally live-streamed on YouTube.

For remote viewers, the event will be live-streamed here:
https://youtube.com/live/HsCQyJAitD0

8:00–8:45 p.m. - Public Lecture
8:45–9:45 p.m. - Panel Q&A and Guided Stargazing

Supermassive black holes lurk at the centers of most galaxies. When galaxies merge, their black holes are also predicted to merge, releasing vibrations in the surrounding spacetime known as gravitational waves. While we cannot directly see these gravitational waves, it may be possible to detect them by looking for irregularities in the clock-like flashes coming from distant rotating dead stars known as pulsars. By monitoring a large enough network of pulsars spread around our galaxy for these irregularities, astronomers may be able to detect supermassive black holes throughout the universe. Are the merging black holes really out there, and when will we find them? Join us to learn about these so-called "pulsar timing arrays" and how we can use them to study the most massive black holes in the universe.

About the Series

Stargazing Lectures are free lectures at a public level followed by a Q&A panel and guided stargazing with telescopes (weather permitting). All events are open to all and held at the Cahill Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics at Caltech. No reservations are needed. Lectures are 30 minutes; stargazing and panel Q&A last 60 minutes. Stay only as long as you want.

Stargazing is only possible with clear skies, but the lecture and panel Q&A takes place regardless of weather.

For directions, weather updates, and more information, please visit: http://outreach.astro.caltech.edu.