Talks and shows

Secret space waves

Join Gideon Koekoek as he explores what secrets of the Universe gravitational waves could reveal.

via NASA/GSFC/Chandra X-Ray Observatory

Please note this lecture used to be called Gravitational waves: 'Discovering nature’s secrets (Family)'.

Curved spacetime, black holes, and the evolutionary history of the Universe show just how fun and exciting physics can be. The discovery of gravitational waves in 2015 captured the imagination of the general public, proving that Einstein’s theories were true.

Join Gideon Koekoek as he explores a proposed new machine that will observe gravitational waves, the Einstein Telescope, Europe’s most advanced observatory for gravitational waves.

Throughout this talk, and with the occasional demonstration, discover what gravitational waves are, how this new telescope will measure them, why they can help unlock the secrets of the Universe and the exciting discoveries that are coming our way.

This event is in partnership with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Event type

This is a theatre event for children and adults to enjoy together. All young people under the age of 13 need to be accompanied by a paying adult and those aged 4 and above need a ticket to attend.

By booking to attend events at the Royal Institution, you confirm that you have read and accept the Ri's event terms and conditions. You also agree to abide by our code of conduct, and help to create a great experience for yourself and your fellow participants. Please note that Eventbrite adds a small booking fee to the amount paid for each ticket option.

For any queries regarding this workshop please get in touch by phone 020 7409 2992 or email events@ri.ac.uk.

About Gideon Koekoek

A photo of Gideon Koekoek
Gideon Koekoek

Gideon Koekoek is associate professor of physics at Maastricht University, where he is senior staff member in the department of Gravitational Waves and Fundamental Physics. He obtained his BSc, MSc, and PhD in theoretical physics at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Nikhef for subatomic physics, and additionally obtained a second MSc degree in Education. Gideon spends equal time between education, research in gravitational waves and general relativity, and being outreach coordinator for the Virgo Collaboration, the Dutch Black Hole Consortium, and the Einstein Telescope Consortium. He coordinates regional, national, and international projects for public, educational, and political outreach of gravitational wave science and Einstein Telescope in particular, and is a frequently asked presenter on physics, research, and education.

Timing

The doors will open at approximately 1.45pm, with a prompt start at 2.00pm.

Latecomers will be admitted into the gallery.

Accessibility

The event will take place on the first floor and there is step-free access from the street via lift.

The closest underground station is Green Park, which is step-free.

There is space at floor level in the theatre for wheelchair users.

Seating is usually unreserved for our events. If you and your group require seating reservations, please do let us know by emailing us at events@ri.ac.uk, and we’ll be more than happy to help.

Carers can receive a free ticket to an event by emailing events@ri.ac.uk.

Our theatre is equipped with an Audio Induction Loop. 

Tickets for Good

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We’ve partnered with Tickets for Good to provide tickets for the NHS, teachers, charity sector workers, and cost of living payment recipients to come and enjoy our upcoming shows.

Tickets for Good offers free and discounted tickets for live events in the UK, and we’re very excited to have teamed up with them!

Grab your tickets by becoming a member here: https://go.ticketsforgood.org/3LPtYV5

Event terms and conditions