[AstroNet] What's up at the Observatory next Saturday

[Thembela Mantungwa]

Hi there,

On Saturday, June 25, S.A. Astronomical Observatory will have a free public talk at 20h00. Dr. Nicola Loaring will talk about "Black hole and where we find them". After the talk, there will be tours of the site and stargazing, if the weather is good. Guests are advised to arrive around 19h30, this will give them time to park and find the venue.

Abstract:

The idea that there might be stars from which light cannot escape was first suggested by a British geologist and clergyman John Michell in 1783. Scientists at the time generally thought that such a bizarre object could not possibly exist and the idea was largely forgotten. It was not until Einstein's theory of General Relativity was published in 1915 that the idea was seriously considered again, although, not by Einstein himself as he did not think that they were physical. However, actual observations of black holes had to wait until the 1970's when the first good black hole candidate was discovered in Cygnus X-1. Dr. Loaring will give an overview of the predicted properties of black holes, describe how astronomers go about hunting for black holes and highlight results from their searches.

Thanks

-- 
Regards

Thembela Mantungwa
S.A. Astronomical Observatory
Tel: 021 460 9319
Fax: 086 612 7502
Mob: 071 105 0109
Email: tm at saao.ac.za
Website: www.saao.ac.za / www.salt.ac.za