Next Meeting, 22nd October 7:00pm - Gravitational Lensing

[MPOLE]

The next meeting is on the 22nd October 2015 at the slightly later than usual time of 7:00pm. Our guest speaker is James Nightingale from Nottingham University speaking about Gravitational Lensing. James says:

 

“Gravitational lensing is now one of Astronomy and Cosmology’s most promising tools to observe both the light and dark Universe. Caused by the bending of light by every object present in our Universe (stars, galaxies, dark matter, etc.), it was first exploited by Einstein, nearly a century ago, to give the first observational evidence in favour of his now famous theory of general relativity. Just under one hundred years later, it has blossomed into one of the most powerful phenomenon used by modern day astronomers. I will present how it is now being used to study the smallest and largest structures in our Universe, beginning with microlensing, whereby the bending of light around distant stars will one day see us detect Earth-like planets outside of our own galaxy, the Milky Way. This is followed by strong gravitational lensing, the only scale at which gravitational lensing acts truly as a lens, magnifying the light of the, otherwise invisible, most distant galaxies in our Universe. I then conclude with weak gravitational lensing, where the gravitationally lensed light of over ten million galaxies is currently being collected, in order map out the structure of the entire Universe.â€

 

Refreshments will be available as usual and observing if clear after the talk.

[Guest fusebox666]

where is this meet ? never been before.

[Perkil8r]

It's at the long Eaton school. Postcode ng10 3np. Sat nav will take you to the wrong gate though, you need to enter via thoresby rd. Signs from the carpark will direct you to the meeting room.

All are always welcome. We do ask for a donation towards refreshments and running costs (suggested £2). Membership is £12 for a year running Jan to Jan and covers all costs so no further donations are expected.