Caltech scientist Jameson Rollins will discuss the recent gravitational-wave discovery at a free public lecture at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 1, during the 32nd annual Pacific Coast Gravity Meeting, hosted by Cal State Fullerton’s Gravitational-Wave Physics and Astronomy Center.
Rollins’ talk on “The Dawn of Gravitational Wave Astronomy” focuses on the recent announcement of the first detection of gravitational waves by scientists — including from CSUF — of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO).
Rollins will discuss the history of the search for gravitational waves, the principle of how the LIGO detectors work, what scientists learned from the first detection and what’s in store for this emerging field of astronomy. He has worked on various aspects of gravitational wave detection over the years — from laser light sources to data analysis algorithms — and holds a doctorate in physics from Columbia University.
The lecture will be held in Room 1502 of CSUF’s Steven G. Mihaylo Hall. For more information visit online or contact Geoffrey Lovelace, CSUF assistant professor of physics, 657-278-7501. Parking is free after 5 p.m. on Fridays.