Deciphering Black Hole Symphonies: The New World of Gravitational Wave Astronomy

The groundbreaking discovery of gravitational waves by the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) has revolutionised the field of astrophysics and theoretical physics. Our planned event brings together researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics in Potsdam, renowned for its cutting-edge research in gravitational wave science, with audiovisual artist Leon Trimble, representing the Gravity Synth project. 

In collaboration with the Gravitational Wave Institute at the Universities of Birmingham and Glasgow, Leon Trimble has created the Gravity Synth project at an intersection between science and art. The Gravity Synth is a unique electronic musical instrument that combines the technology of a Michelson Interferometer (used in the detection of gravitational waves), with a modular synthesiser. 

The event that will include a musical performance of the Gravity Synth, as well as four lightning talks with demonstrations, providing explanations of gravitational waves, black holes, the experiment that detected them, and what the detection of gravitational waves mean for the future of science. After the talks and the performance, we will hold a Q&A session. We hope to create an informative and exciting event that bridges the gap between gravitational physics research and the world of electronic music. 

Berlin’s rich history in both science and music makes it an ideal location for exploring this connection between music and science. The Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics continues Einstein’s legacy built during his time here. The city is also a global center for electronic music, and its music scene and brutalist architecture have inspired artist Leon Trimble.

[Image Credit: S. Ossokine, A. Buonanno (Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics), Simulating eXtreme Spacetimes project, D. Steinhauser (Airborne Hydro Mapping GmbH)]