Science-on-Hudson: Our Violent Universe: A Gamma-Ray View of the Sky

Professor Reshmi Mukherjee, Barnard College

The lectures are free. Register here. These talks are popular and space is limited, so we cannot accommodate anyone who does not register in advance.

Very-high-energy gamma-ray astrophysics has emerged as an exciting and vital area of research, with major discoveries made through satellite experiments in space and observatories on Earth. Gamma rays are the most energetic forms of light and are generated in some of the most violent processes in the Universe. One example is a supernova explosion, one of the most violent events in our Universe, generating a blinding flash of radiation, as well as shock waves. Outside our own galaxy, another exciting astrophysical object is a type of high-energy quasar, thought to harbor a supermassive black hole.
This evening we will explore some of the experiments scientists have developed to take a glimpse at the mysterious and energetic Universe.

After the lecture there will be star gazing hosted by astronomers from the Columbia Astronomy Public Outreach Program (weather permitting).

About Science-on-Hudson

Welcome to our public lecture series, held at 7PM every second Thursday of the month during the school year. Our own Columbia University physicists and scientists will present an overview of the international and local experiments that our world-renowned research teams are working on: Big bang cosmology, dark matter, neutrino physics, particle colliders, biophysics, astrophysics; we’ll cover them all!

Everyone is welcome. These talks are intended for a general audience. Lectures last approximately 60 minutes with time afterwards for questions/answers and discussions.

Refreshments will be served prior to each event.

The lectures are free. Registration is required. These talks are popular and space is limited, so we cannot accommodate anyone who does not register in advance.

If you would like to support our efforts, a tax-deductible donation can be made below. Any support would be greatly appreciated.