This is a past event
One of the last great tests of Einstein's Theory of General Relativity, the detection of gravitational waves would open up a whole new window on our Universe.
For decades scientists from around the globe have been working on one of the great experimental challenges of our time - the direct detection of gravitational waves - distortions in the fabric of spacetime that travel at the speed of light. Gravtiational waves are produced from cataclysmic events in the Universe, such as stars colliding or exploding. They travel undisturbed through the interstellar dust and debris that often hampers optical astronomy and so promises to open up a new way of looking into the Universe. Gravitational waves were directly predicted when Einstein produced his theory of General Relativity and so direct detection of the waves would provide a strong test for general relativity - a theory that has passed every experimental test so far. Scottish scientisits have always been at the forefront of this research and as we enter a new decade, the results of their collective labour could well produce one of the most significant astronomical advances of recent times. Professor Jim Hough, who led the Glasgow-based institute for gravitational research for over 20 years, will speak on gravitational wave astronomy, the state of the art laser technology that we use to detect them and give an overview of the worldwide network of gravitational wave observatories now being built. A Fellow of the Royal Society of London, Professor Hough is also an excellent communicator and this promises to be a fascinating session. As always, please arrive early as capacity at Waterstone's is limited.