Talks and shows

Why does light exist?

Join Gideon Koekoek as he illuminates us on a fundamental question of physics. Not just "what is light?", but "why must light exist?"

Light bulb
geralt via Pixabay

Light is one of the most interesting aspects of the Universe, letting us see and feel the world around us in the most beautiful colours and phenomena. No wonder light is one of the most studied topics in all of physics. It is the way we see, learn, and connect to the Universe. But underneath it all lies a deeper question still: why does light exist in the first place? Is the fact that light permeates so much of our Universe a mere happenstance, or are there deeper mysteries at work?

Physicist and gravitational wave expert Gideon Koekoek is on a mission to demystify the complexities of physics, so that everyone can understand the revolutionary experiments being done by physicists every day. In this talk, Gideon highlights the special properties of light and shows that it is a necessary ingredient of all fundamental physics. Without electromagnetism and its waves, the laws of quantum mechanics, relativity, and thermodynamics will break down individually and would not be able to work together at all. Gideon will show that these individual phenomena, which are normally presented independently of each other, are connected in surprising ways.

When Nature came into existence, it had no choice but to douse it in light. Gideon is excited to show you why.

Event type

This is a theatre only event where the speakers and audience are together in our Theatre.

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 event please get in touch by phone 020 7409 2992 or email events@ri.ac.uk.

About 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 is a frequently asked presenter on physics, research, and education.

Timing

Doors to the theatre will open at 6.45pm and the talk will begin at 7.00pm.

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. 

Event terms and conditions