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Summary Sentence: A Frontiers in Science Panel Discussion in which Georgia Tech School of Physics professors will walk us through the first detection of a binary neutron star merger, what we learned, and what we can expect from the new era of multi-messenger astrophysics.
Full Summary: School of Physics Professors Laura Cadonati, Nepomuk Otte, and Ignacio Taboada headline a panel discussion to discuss the implications of the first detection of a neutron star merger, made possible by the detection of the gravitational wave generated by the cataclysmic celestial collision. School of Physics Chair and Professor Pablo Laguna will moderate. The panel discussion is part of the College of Sciences Frontiers in Science Lecture Series.
neutron merger
Laura Cadonati - Panelist
Nepomuk Otte - Panelist 
Ignacio Taboada - Panelist
Pablo Laguna - ModeratorAugust 17, 2017, is a milestone date for astrophysics. For the first time, the LIGO and Virgo gravitational-wave observatories detected signals from the collision of two neutron stars. The powerful event shook space-time and produced a fireball of light and radiation from the formation of heavy elements.
Satellites and observatories all around the world observed the light produced by this event. For the first time, we have measured gravitational waves and light produced in the same astrophysical event.
What this discovery means for astrophysics is equivalent to the difference between looking at a black-and-white photo and watching a 3-D IMAX movie!
The combined information of gravitational waves and light is greater than the sum of its parts. The combination allows us to learn new things about physics, the universe, and what we are made of – and perhaps explain mysteries that continue to emerge. No one has ever been able to do this before!
The historic detection of a cataclysmic celestial collision using signals from multiple messengers signals the era of multi-messenger astrophysics. Discussing the milestone and its implications are School of Physics Professors Laura Cadonati, Nepomuk Otte, and Ignacio Taboada. School of Physics Chair and Professor Pablo Laguna will moderate the discussion. The panel discussion is part of the College of Sciences' Frontiers in Science Lecture Series.
About Frontiers in Science Lectures
Lectures in this series are intended to inform, engage, and inspire students, faculty, staff, and the public on developments, breakthroughs, and topics of general interest in the sciences and mathematics. Lecturers tailor their talks for nonexpert audiences.
