UNC-CH Department of Physics and Astronomy and CoSMS Institute
Dr. Patrick Brady, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
“Observation of Gravitational Waves From a Binary Black Hole Merger”
On September 14, 2015 at 9:50:45 UTC the two detectors of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory simultaneously observed a transient gravitational-wave signal. The signal sweeps upwards in frequency from 35 to 250 Hz and matches the waveform predicted by general relativity for the inspiral and merger of a pair of black holes and the ringdown of the resulting single black hole. I will discuss the LIGO detectors, the implications of the observation, and prospects for the new field of gravitational-wave astronomy.

Light refreshments will be served in The “H-Bar” (Chapman 3rd floor hallway).
Colloquium will start at 4:00pm in 215 Phillips Hall and a reception will follow at 5:00pm in 277 Phillips Hall.