On Wednesday, May 8, Jefferson Lab hosts Marcia Bartusiak for a discussion of her latest book "Einstein's Unfinished Symphony." A new generation of observations, now being completed worldwide, will give astronomers not just a new window on the cosmos but a whole new sense with which to explore and experience the heavens above us. Instead of collecting light waves or radio waves, these novel instruments will allow astronomers to at last place their hands on the fabric of space-time and feel the very rhythms of the universe. These vibrations in space-time — or gravity waves — are the last prediction of Einstein's general theory of relativity yet to be observed directly. They are his unfinished symphony, waiting nearly a century to be heard. When they finally reveal themselves to astronomers, we will for the first time be able to hear the cymbal crashes from exploding stars, tune in to the periodic drumbeats from swiftly rotating pulsars, listen to the extended chirps from the merger of two black holes, and eavesdrop on the remnant echoes from the mighty jolt of the Big Bang itself.
The Science Series event will begin at 7 p.m. on May 8 in the CEBAF Center auditorium, located at 12000 Jefferson Ave., Newport News. The presentation will last about 1 hour and end with a question and answer period. The event is free and open to anyone interested in learning more about science. For security purposes, enter at the Lab's main entrance (Onnes Dr.). Everyone over 16 is asked to carry a photo I.D. Security guards may perform vehicle checks.