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Black Holes - Inside and Out
Dr. Matthew Pryal
Next CAS Meeting
Wednesday, October 7th at 7 pm
at Leander McCormick Observatory -
Abstract:
Black holes are perhaps the most popular objects in astronomy to the general
public - and for good reason. They generate the most energetic phenomena in the universe, are essential to the evolution of galaxies, and put our leading theories of gravity to their ultimate test. But their spotlight in popular media leads to many misconceptions about them. In this talk, we will use those representations in popular media to help us understand black holes
inside and out. We'll explore how you can gather data on an object that light cannot escape. How, through the process of science, astronomers have concluded that these invisible objects exist in the first place. And we'll discover that black holes can be some of the simplest objects in the universe - once you've unlocked the math to describe them. -
CV:
I'm an Assistant Professor of the General Faculty in the Astronomy Department at the University of Virginia where I've been in my current role since August of 2021. I primarily teach large-enrollment introductory astronomy courses for non-science majors and was awarded the 2024 Award for Excellence in Teaching from the UVA Jefferson Scholars Foundation. I obtained my B.S. in Astronomy & Astrophysics in 2015 from Penn State University and my Ph.D. in Astronomy from UVA in 2020. I'm also actively involved in public outreach including leading ‘Astronomy on Tap - Charlottesville’ (since 2019), which brings astronomy knowledge, research, and trivia for free to the general public in relaxed settings. Additionally, I frequently run free planetarium shows for all ages throughout Charlottesville/Albemarle County as well as helping with telescope observing nights at UVA’s Leander McCormick Observatory. I love discussing astronomy with the general public and strongly believe that science, and especially astronomy, can be appreciated by everyone. See my 'Media' tab for ways I've engaged the general public over the years.
Matthew Pryal