Gresham College Lectures Black Holes and Bangs - Chris Lintott
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Dec 6, 2024 In this engaging discussion, Chris Lintott, a Professor of Astrophysics at the University of Oxford, dives into the fascinating world of black holes and gravitational waves. He explains how black holes, once considered mythical, impact our universe and even produce elements like gold. The conversation highlights the journey of gravitational waves from Einstein's theories to their detection by LIGO, and explores the mysteries surrounding supermassive black holes and pulsars acting as cosmic clocks. Prepare to rethink our cosmic landscape!
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Black Holes' Influence
- Black holes are common and influential in the cosmos' story.
- They are not menacing objects but essential parts of the universe shaped by gravity.
Stars Orbiting a Black Hole
- Stars at our galaxy's center orbit a black hole.
- This demonstrates that black holes don't act as cosmic hoovers, but objects with gravitational pull.
Ripple in Space-Time
- A ripple in space-time passed through Earth, likely from a distant event.
- Specialized observatories captured this phenomenon, showcasing a new way to observe the cosmos.