Guest Speakers

Guest speaker: Professor David McClelland, ANU

Title: Gravitational Wave Astronomy and Instrumentation

Abstract:

Gravitational waves, or ripples in the curvature of space-time, were predicted by Einstein over 90 years ago. Giant laser interferometers have been 'listening' for these waves on and off since 2006. Whilst they are yet to be observed results of these searches have began constraining theories of the early universe and of the nature of systems which produce them. These first generation detectors will be switched off mid next year to enable their sensitivities to be upgraded by a factor of around 10. When they become operational mid next decade, the first direct detection of these elusive waves is virtually assured opening a truly new astronomical window - a new 'sense' with which to observe the universe.

In this talk I will introduce the concept of gravitational waves and review potential sources. I will then describe the laser interferometers which are being built to observe them and review what has so far been achieved with data already recorded.

Guest speakers and topics mentioned in the CAS Society Diary may change without notice.

Selected Past Presentations

• Australian Astronomy and the "Federation Telescope"
  by Professor Don Matthewson (1998-03)
• The Expanding Universe and the Hubble Constant
  by Professor Jeremy Mould (1998-10)