National Astronomy Meeting - The Sound of Gravitational Waves @ Helios

The National Astronomy Meeting has come to Birmingham! Join us for another chance to celebrate a decade of gravitational-wave discovery with a musical journey into the science of these ripples in spacetime.

Light doesn’t always travel in straight lines. Our perception of time is relative. The very fabric of spacetime is constantly shrinking and expanding around us. This is what Einstein predicted in his theory of general relativity, and what observational physicists have proven over and over again. When massive objects, such as black holes, come together they produce ripples in spacetime which travel across the Universe. These ripples are known as gravitational waves. All around us, there exists a cacophony of gravitational waves: the symphony of the Universe, unheard until 10 years ago!

University of Birmingham presents a group of scientists and musicians who will let you experience the ongoing story of gravitational wave detection through music and presentation. The researchers will tell of the wonder of gravitational waves, from the local inspirals of black holes to the entire population of the gravitational waves we know about. Likewise the musicians will interpret the science and respond to gravitational wave research using both electronic and traditional instruments. 

You will also have a chance to view the Helios artwork and accompanying exhibition, currently hosted at the Exchange (https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/the-exchange/events/helios)

18:00 - 18:30: Explore Helios and purchase refreshments from the cafe
18:30 - 20:30: The Sound of Gravitational Waves

The evening will be hosted at the Exchange in Birmingham City Centre (https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/The+Exchange/@52.4790695,-1.9083287,316m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x4870bdde2732cf03:0x35101faddd8fb763!8m2!3d52.4785257!4d-1.9077552!16s%2Fg%2F11mh9stg6_?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDcxMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) and is free for all to attend. Please note, that all under-18s will need to be accompanied by a parent/ guardian.

You do not need a ticket if you only wish to visit the Helios exhibition (which is open until 20:00), so please feel free to come along and explore!