Astrophysicists will gather next week to unveil the most recent research into black holes.
Researchers from the University of Southampton will present their latest research into black holes at a conference they will host in Winchester from July 18–22.
One hundred and twenty astrophysicists from around the world will gather at the conference‚ called Black hole astrophysics: tales of power and destruction‚ to learn about and discuss the very latest research into the behaviour of black holes.
“For example we will hear the latest evidence about what happens to matter as it falls into black holes‚ how black holes can impact the galaxy around them out to huge distances by spewing out enormously powerful jets of particles, and how black holes have grown and evolved in the universe since the Big Bang,” said Dr Phil Uttley, an astronomer at the University of Southampton.
Several talks will be given by members of the University of Southampton, who will present their latest work on the powerful jets of particles that are emitted by black holes at speeds close to the speed of light. The astronomers are studying these black holes, using a combination of X-ray observatories in space and radio telescopes (e.g. the LOFAR array which Southampton plays a major role in).
“The conference represents a showcase of the latest developments in black hole research. Our hosting of it and the fact that we are able to draw the world-experts in the field solidifies the position of the Southampton astronomy group as one of the leading UK groups working on black holes,” Dr Uttley added.
The conference is supported by a large €2.5 million grant from the European Union to carry out black hole research and train new researchers in a network of seven institutes across Europe including the University of Southampton as the only UK representative.
To mark the opening of the conference and make the latest research on black holes accessible to all, Dr Uttley will be giving a public lecture followed by a planetarium show at 6.30pm on Monday 18 July at the INTECH science centre outside Winchester. For free tickets to the INTECH event, ring 01962 891 925 or visit www.intech-uk.com for more information.