Gravitational waves

City Lit

Course

In London

£ 89 VAT inc.

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Description

  • Type

    Course

  • Location

    London

  • Start date

    Different dates available

Einstein postulated Gravitational Waves as part of his theory of General Relativity in 1915. The triumph in September 2015 came at the end of a century of experiments aimed at detecting them. So, we shall look the theory and history of GW and follow the tale of experimental disappointments that finally came good. We’ll examine the detections and the deductions about their sources. Then we shall peer into the future at space-borne LISA and the efforts to tie in every GW outburst with things that astronomical instruments can detect.

Facilities

Location

Start date

London
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Keeley Street, Covent Garden, WC2B 4BA

Start date

Different dates availableEnrolment now open

About this course

• Describe a gravitational wave
• Explain how a GW detector works
• Talk about at least one detection
• Enthuse about the future prospects
All of the above at the level of 'intelligent layperson'.

No other costs. Students who wish to take notes should come prepared.

Illustrated talks with time for class questions and discussions.

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Course programme

• Gravitational Waves as Einstein invented them
• Events that might emit Gravitational Waves (black holes had not been invented in 1915)
• Early detection attempts (some very ingenious).
• LIGO – the project (it really is a big ‘un) and the first detection
• Subsequent detections of GW and enhancements to the system
• Prospects, including upgrades to LIGO etc., LISA, even wider co-operation with astronomers.
• This is a rapidly changing field and there may be other things to squeeze in, subject to student request.

Additional information

HS121 Further Cosmology HS160 Physics the fundamental science HS155 Introduction to quantum physics. General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Student Centre and Library on Monday to Friday from 12:00 – 19:00. See the course guide for term dates and further details

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Gravitational waves

£ 89 VAT inc.

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