Detecting gravitational waves: A new astronomy is born

11 February saw the beginning of a new era in the history of astronomy – the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) announced the first ever direct detection of gravitational waves. These waves are ripples in the fabric of spacetime caused by accelerated massive objects. Albert Einstein predicted their existence a century ago and we had indirect proof, but they had not actually been detected until now. What is this phenomenon all about? Why is its discovery so important, and what are the implications for physics and astronomy?

Physicists José Juan Blanco-Pillado, Jon Urrestilla and Raül Vera, professors at the Theoretical Physics and Science History Department of the UPV/EHU, will be answering these questions at a talk and debate entitled “La detección de ondas gravitacionales: el nacimiento de una nueva astronomía” (“Detecting gravitational waves: A new astronomy is born”) on 27 April at Azkuna Zentroa. This conference, which is part of the Zientziateka programme, will be in Spanish.

Zientziateka is a monthly initiative organised by the Chair of Scientific Culture of the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and Azkuna Zentroa to raise awareness of current scientific matters.

Tickets should be collected from the Azkuna Zentroa Information Point. Tickets are free.