Students soak up the mysteries of the Universe and gravitational waves

Physics students from Holy Trinity International School travelled to Birmingham University’s School of Physics and Astronomy where they were given the unique opportunity to meet Dr Andreas Freise and his young research group involved in a new branch of physics that is now being used to unravel the mysteries of our Universe.

Gravitational waves which are ripples of space time, and generated by violent cosmic events such as colliding black holes, are being researched by Dr Freise’s team who are part of the group currently developing the most sensitive gravitational wave observatory in the world.

Head of Physics, Mrs Judith Mackie-Smith, said “It was a fantastic opportunity for our Physics students who took part in lectures as well as experienced physics simulations and hand-on experiments, as well as the opportunity of being taken on a personal tour of the University’s laboratories. A most unique and exciting experience for our budding young physicists.”

Exploration of space through the study of light and other electromagnetic waves is ongoing, and at the forefront of this research is Dr Freise’s research group, with their next step being the focused study of the effects of gravitational waves.

Issued: 13/01/2012