GRAVITATIONAL WAVES FROM MERGING BLACK HOLES

Prof. Lynn Cominsky (SSU) will report on the recent observations of merging black holes as detected by the twin facilities that comprise the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO).

The direct detection of gravitational waves is one of experimental physics' greatest achievements and opens up a new era in studying the Universe. This is a profound result, and it is an honor to have a member of the LIGO team, our very own Department of Physics & Astronomy Chair Lynn Cominsky, present these results. In addition, this has been a memorable year for Dr. Cominsky as she has been the recipient of three prestigious awards: The American Astronautical Society's Sally Ride Excellence in Education Award; the American Astronomical Society's Education Prize, and the CSU Wang Family Prize. Please join us for this very special talk!