The TAMU CMS team and the Mitchell Institute of Fundamental Physics and Astronomy are jointly hosting this public lecture (free admission).
It has been 100 years after Albert Einstein first predicted gravitational waves in 1916, based on his general relativity of space-time.
The gravitational waves are tiny ripples in space-time that can only be detected by Laser Interferometer. On February 11, 2016, Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) collaboration announced the first detection of gravitation waves — a discovery honored with the $3 million Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics for 2016. The extensive analysis reveals that gravitational waves were created by violent collision of two massive black hales in the universe.
Prof. Barish led the effort through the final design stages, approval for funding by the NSF National Science Board in 1994, and then the construction and commissioning of the LIGO interferometers in Livingston, LA and Hanford, WA.
He will share his scientific journey of LIGO “dream” chasers with audience in this public lecture.
Barry Barish
Ronald and Maxine Linde Professor of Physics, Emeritus
B.A., University of California, 1957; Ph.D., 1962; Laurea, h.c., University of Bologna. Research Fellow, Caltech, 1963-66; Assistant Professor, 1966-69; Associate Professor, 1969-72; Professor, 1972-91; Linde Professor, 1991-2005; Linde Professor Emeritus, 2005-. Principal Investigator of LIGO, 1994-97; Director, LIGO, 1997-2006.
(https://pma.caltech.edu/content/barry-c-barish)
Travel Information
Easterwood Airport (CLL) is located only 2 miles from campus and offers daily flights from/to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).
You may also wish to consider flying into Houston-area airports (George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH); William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) and complete the rest of the journey (100 miles) by rental car or airport shuttle. You can arrange shuttle service to & from Houston airports with GroundShuttle.
Parking
The closest visitor parking is provided by the Northside Parking Garage, which is just across the street from the Mitchell Institute, at the intersection of Ireland Street and University Drive: http://aggiemap.tamu.edu/?Bldg=0388.
Taxi Information
- BCS Taxi: (979) 691-2222
- Northgate taxi: (979) 574-6919
- BCS Taxi-cab: (979) 693-5532
- College Station/Bryan taxi: (979) 436-8107
The George P. and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Institute for Fundamental Physics and Astronomy
Schedule
- 6:00PM — Wednesday, May 18, 2016
Location
- MPHY 203, 204, 205 (Mitchell Physics Lecture Hall)