Note: The August Star Night has been postponed and moved to Friday Sept 15th
Public Star Night – Friday, September 15, 2023
Little Thompson Observatory
Doors Open: 7:00 | Guest Speaker: 7:30-8:30 | Observing at LTO: 8:30-10:00
Oreo Black Holes
A special presentation by
John Ensworth
Oreo Black Holes? – It is possible an advanced civilization lives inside a black hole?
Join astronomer, science communicator and LTO Volunteer, John Ensworth as we embark on a fascinating journey through the enigmatic realm of black holes. In this presentation, we will delve into the current state of our understanding of black holes, unraveling their mind-boggling properties and the mysteries they hold. But that’s not all; we will also explore an intriguing and speculative concept: the possibility of a habitable region within a black hole, where an advanced civilization might thrive. The question that lingers: Can we ever meet them and reveal their existence to the world?
In the first part of the talk, we will examine the current state of black hole science, discussing how these cosmic behemoths form, their extreme gravitational pull, and the mind-warping phenomenon of spacetime distortion. We will explore the groundbreaking discoveries that have shaped our understanding of black holes, including the recent Event Horizon Telescope’s groundbreaking image of the supermassive black holes at the center of the M87 galaxy and our own galaxy’s A*.
As we immerse ourselves in the wonders of black holes, we will then venture into the realm of speculation, delving into the idea of a habitable region within a black hole. We will explore theoretical concepts such as the hypothetical “inner horizon” or “Cauchy horizon,” where the extreme spacetime curvature might create an environment capable of supporting life. Could it be possible that an advanced civilization exists within these enigmatic realms, shielded from the external universe?
However, we face a daunting challenge: Can we ever meet this civilization residing within a black hole? This talk will examine the limits imposed by the laws of physics, discussing the immense gravitational forces and time dilation effects that hinder our ability to explore the depths of a black hole. We will explore the cutting-edge scientific techniques, such as gravitational wave detectors and future advancements in space travel, that may offer glimpses into the interior of black holes and potentially detect signs of an advanced civilization.
Note: It is important to note that the concept of a habitable region inside a black hole is purely speculative and based on hypothetical scenarios. The purpose of this segment is to explore scientific imagination and inspire curiosity, while acknowledging that further research and evidence are necessary to confirm or refute such possibilities
Following the talk by John, the observatory will be open for public viewing through our telescopes, weather permitting.
