Guest lecture by Professor Fulvio Melia, University of Arizona, USA
For more than four decades Albert Einstein’s theory of general relativity remained largely a curiosity for scientists; however accurate it seemed, Einstein’s mathematical code was one of the most difficult to crack in all of science. That is, until a twenty-nine-year-old New Zealander, Roy Kerr, solved the great riddle in 1963.
Fulvio Melia gives an eyewitness account of the events leading up to Kerr’s great discovery. What are black holes? What place do they have in the Universe? And how did Kerr make the ultimate breakthrough? Sometimes dramatic, often exhilarating, but always in touch with the human element Cracking the Einstein Code is a great showcase of how important science gets done.
Following the presentation, the Melbourne Planetarium will be showing its award winning planetarium show Black Holes: Journey into the Unknown, narrated by Geoffrey Rush. There will also be the opportunity to stargaze through telescopes (weather permitting).
“2009 is a very exciting one for the Melbourne Planetarium – it is our 10th anniversary and the International Year of Astronomy,” said astronomer Dr Tanya Hill. “We are delighted to be able to celebrate these milestones with a lecture by such a world renowned expert such as Professor Melia.”
Date and Time: Friday 11th September, commencing at 6:30pm
Venue: Melbourne Planetarium, Scienceworks
2 Booker St, Spotswood
Cost: $15 per person; MV members and concessions: $12.50 per person
Bookings: Please call (03) 9392 4819 between 9am – 4:30pm, Monday to Friday
Professor Fulvio Melia
Fulvio Melia is Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Arizona. In a career that has seen him publish over 230 research papers and several books, Melia has made important contributions in High Energy Astronomy and the physics of supermassive black holes. He is especially known for his expertise regarding the supermassive black hole located at the centre of our Milky Way Galaxy. Melia is a well-respected and popular publicist of astronomy and science in general, delivering many engaging public lectures. His books have won several awards of distinction, including recognition as an Outstanding Academic Book by the American Library Association, and being selected in Astronomy Magazine’s collection of astronomy books of the year. Born in Italy, Melia completed his undergraduate studies at Melbourne University. He still considers Melbourne his home town and is a keen Geelong supporter.
Scienceworks, 2 Booker St, Spotswood. (Melway 56, B1). Open daily 10.00am – 4.30pm. Admission: Adults $8, Children and Concession FREE. For further details ph 03 9392 4800 or visit museumvictoria.com.au/scienceworks