Astronomy on Tap

Dr. Cynthia Chiang & Dr. John Ruan (McGill University (MSI))

Mar 4, 2020 7:00 PM

Location: McLean's Pub - 1210 rue Peel, Montreal, Quebec H3B 2T6
Astro On Tap

Speaker: Prof. Cynthia Chiang

Title: Observing the Cosmos from Above the Clouds

To learn about our universe in its infancy, scientists travel to some of the most remote corners of the earth to build specialized telescopes that have access to the clearest skies. I will share the story of one of these telescopes, named SPIDER, that measured the leftover heat from the Big Bang by using a balloon to ascend into the stratosphere.

Speaker:Dr. John Ruan

Title:The Story of the Most Intensively-Studied Astronomical Event in History

In 2017, the sudden discovery of the merger of two neutron stars using both telescopes and gravitational wave detectors opened up a completely new window to the Universe. This breakthrough was the most intensively-studied astronomical event in history, and an estimated 20% of all astronomers worldwide were involved in the discovery. I will tell the tragically comical tales behind the scenes of this landmark event.

Astronomy on Tap are free events taking place in pubs in Montreal organized by AstroMcGill, the Institute for research on exoplanets - iREx and the Centre de recherche en astrophysique du Québec. These popular events, which started off in NYC, USA, are now organized across the world. Astronomy on Tap consists of accessible, short and engaging astronomy related presentations by local researchers on a variety of mind-blowing topics ranging from planets to black holes to galaxies to the beginning of the Universe. It is the perfect occasion to discuss with astronomers and have answers to your science questions! Join us and play some astronomy-themed games with prizes for the winners!

Note: You must be 18+ years to access McLean's Pub