Why is it so difficult to give a description of gravity, something we experience every day? Einstein has shown why 'space' and 'time' are essential if you truly want to understand gravity. We can even predict the behavior of black holes and gravity waves with Einstein's theory and every time the predictions match perfectly with recent observations of these exotic phenomena. Right now, Einstein's description of gravity still stands like a castle, but that castle is under attack. Clues exist that this theory needs some revision when it comes to the smallest and largest scales in the universe.
Eric Bergshoeff holds the Willem de Sitter Chair in Theoretical Physics at the University of Groningen. He is one of the discoverers of the 'supermembrane', a part of string theory that possibly unifies gravity with quantum mechanics. He was awarded the 'Academy Professor Prize' by the KNAW (Royal Dutch Academy of Sciences) in 2010.
The planetariumshow is from 20:00 - 21:00 in DOT, Vrydemalaan 2, Groningen. Please be present at 19:45 for entrance into the dome. Language is English, tickets are 6,- per person.
This event is organised by the University of Groningen (Kapteyn Astronomical Institute and CIT) in collaboration with DOT.
Duur: 60 minuten