Kip S. Thorne

Special - Date, Time and Location

17 November 2017, 16:15, ML D28 (ETH centre)
 

Host

Günther Dissertori

Title

Geometrodyamics:
Exploring the Nonlinear Dynamics of Curved Spacetime with Computer Simulations and Gravitational-Wave Observations

Abstract

A half century ago, John Wheeler challenged his students and colleagues to explore Geometrodynamics: the nonlinear dynamics of curved spacetime. How does the curvature of spacetime behave when roiled in a storm, like a storm at sea with crashing waves. We tried to explore this, and failed. Success eluded us until two new tools became available: computer simulations, and gravitational wave observations. Kip will describe what these have begun to teach us, and he will offer a vision for the future of Geometrodynamics.