Over the past seven years, we have begun to glean new information about the universe and its contents from one of the most elusive messengers, gravitational waves, which are disturbances in the curvature of spacetime generated by accelerated masses. Gravitational waves were predicted in 1916 by Albert Einstein on the basis of his general theory of relativity. The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) is part of a network of incredibly sensitive ’sensors’ used to detect gravitational waves. To date, LIGO along with its European partner Virgo have detected nearly 100 gravitational-wave events. Kenyon’s LIGO research group contributes to several areas of LIGO science.
In this colloquium, Leslie Wade and Madeline wade, associate professors of physics, will discuss the recent contributions to gravitational-wave science made by Kenyon’s LIGO research group. They will focus on the calibration of the LIGO detectors but will also highlight projects in neutron star equation of state astrophysics, noise prediction in LIGO using machine learning algorithms, and searches for a newly theorized gravitational-wave signal.
Join us on Friday, March 24, from 12 to 1 p.m. in Hayes 211/213 to hear about the exciting research the Wades conducted over their sabbatical. Lunch will be available from 11:45 to 12:15 in Hayes 216. We hope to see you there!