EXPERT ADVISORY
Leading physicist available to discuss anticipated confirmation of gravitational waves
Newswise — HAMILTON, Feb. 11, 2016 – Physicist Cliff Burgess is available to explain and discuss the significance of research expected to be revealed today regarding the existence of gravitational waves – which would be a blockbuster finding in the world of physics. Burgess is a Professor of Physics at McMaster and a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and received the Canadian Association of Physicists prize for theoretical physics in 2010.
An announcement by researchers involved in the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory project is planned for this morning.
Though he did not participate in the research, Burgess is familiar with the findings, and says they can reveal major new areas of knowledge about the remaining mysteries of the cosmos, including dark matter, dark energy and black holes. “This can open up a new kind of astronomy: gravity wave astronomy, and that is likely to teach us much about the universe,” he says. Gravitational waves, first predicted by Albert Einstein 100 years ago but until now never recorded, would allow scientists another window into the universe, when major collisions and events such as black holes generate ripples in the fabric of space-time. “Once you see a gravitational wave, you learn a lot, even if it behaves exactly as Einstein predicted,” Burgess says. “Every time we have tried looking at the cosmos in a new way, we see and learn new things. Partly this is because things that are opaque to visible light might not be to radio waves, or gravity waves.” Cliff Burgess is available at [email protected] and 905) 525-9140 ext. 23175. (Please note: he is teaching from 1:30 to 2:30 today.)
For more information, or to book an interview from the campus TV studio, please contact:
Wade HemsworthPublic Relations ManagerMcMaster University905-525-9140, ext. 27988[email protected]
Michelle DonovanPublic Relations ManagerMcMaster University905-525-9140, ext. 22869[email protected]
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