Speaker: Rubens Reis, Research Fellow in Astronomy (U-M Astronomy)

The fascination with black holes as both a mathematical concept and physical entity has long been the subject of many scientific research. Only in recent years, however, have we come to realize the cosmological importance of such objects. In this talk, Dr. Reis will summarize the current status of the field after introducing the manner in which we "see" and "hear" black holes. He will also show how similar physics and phenomena observed in nearby objects allow us to detect and study the inner engines of dormant, supermassive black holes 5 billion light years away as it destroys a star.