The stellar giants of our universe are notorious for their drastic lifestyles : live fast, die young. Burning up to hundreds of times the mass of our Sun, these stars produce the heaviest elements in the natural universe. Though they are born in a stellar nursery like all stars, their violent deaths can shine brighter than entire galaxies.
In this lecture we will travel through the lives and possible fates of the most massive stars in the universe. Taking a look back in time from Einstein to the early universe, we will discover what it takes to become a massive star that may one day evolve into a black hole. Ultimately exploring the most recent detections of black hole and neutron star mergers through the wonder of gravitational waves.
Doors open about 7.15pm. There is free parking available on the campus in the evenings. Admission Free, including light refreshments. We are located in the Bell Theatre, Department of Mathematics and Physics, QUB – details here……
With thanks to the Astrophysics Research Centre, QUB, for assistance with this event.