Gravitational Waves: A New Window to the Universe

The first-ever detections of gravitational waves from colliding black holes and neutron stars have launched a new era of gravitational wave astrophysics.

Nergis Mavalvala, dean of and the Curtis (1963) and Kathleen Marble Professor of Astrophysics in the MIT School of Science, will describe the science, technology, and human story behind these discoveries, which provide a completely new window into some of the most violent and warped events in the universe and are helping to solve decades-long mysteries in astrophysics.

Discussant 

Edo Berger, codirector of the science program at Harvard Radcliffe Institute and professor of astronomy in the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences 

The Kim and Judy Davis Dean’s Lecture Series was established through the generosity of Kim G. Davis AB ’76, MBA ’78 and Judith N. Davis, longtime friends and champions of the Harvard Radcliffe Institute. This annual lecture series invites leading figures from across the arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences to share their expertise, ideas, and diverse perspectives with the Harvard community and the broader public.

"A New Window to the Universe": Radcliffe Institute Reflects on Scientific History of Gravitational Waves (Harvard Crimson, 9/15/21)

Event Video