When stars collapse: the physics of black holes, from small to supermassive
Black holes, created by the collapse of massive stars, are objects which curve space-time to such an extent that light itself cannot escape from them. We explore the compelling physics of these mysterious entities.
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The possibility of the existence of black holes was first considered in the 18th century, but it was Einstein’s theory of general relativity, published in 1915, which established a sound theoretical basis for such entities. However, for half a century, black holes remained no more than an interesting but purely theoretical possibility amongst physicists.
It was the discovery of neutron stars in 1967 which indicated that gravitationally collapsed objects are a reality in the universe. Thus the possibility that black holes might actually exist began to be considered, and the search to find them began in earnest, leading to the discovery in 1971 of the first identified black hole, Cygnus X-1.
In this course, we will examine:
• How black holes are formed. If a star is sufficiently massive, it may eventually collapse into itself as the outward pressure of its nuclear fusion is overcome by gravity, forming in the process a black hole. • The regions of a black hole: the event horizon, the singularity, the accretion disk, the ergosphere, the photon sphere, the Schwarzschild radius, and gas jets. • How do we find black holes. By definition, we cannot see an object which traps light, but nonetheless there are various forms of evidence that indicate the existence of black holes. • The black hole menagerie. Examining the range of black hole sizes from micro black holes created during the Big Bang to supermassive black holes which lie at the centre of every galaxy, our own included.
What will we cover?
• Black hole formation. • The regions of a black hole. • Detecting black holes in space. • Micro , stellar, and supermassive black holes.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Explain how black holes are formed. • Identify the regions of a black hole . • Recognise the evidence for black holes. • Identify the differences between micro, stellar and supermassive black holes.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course does not require any background in physics or mathematics. All the topics will be explained from first principles. At the same time, the topics covered will also be of interest to those who have already delved into this fascinating area of physics.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The topics will be presented by the tutor with the aid of various audio-visual presentations such as PowerPoints and short video clips. We will discuss questions as a class as they arise. The materials presented will be available on Google Classroom, but you may wish to make your own notes. There will be no requirement for any work outside of class, although the tutor will be happy to discuss any related topics which you have considered.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No other costs. Please bring a pen and paper if you wish to take notes.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
HS302 Searching for the ultimate particle HS330 Beyond the Standard Model: supersymmetry in physics HS331 Chemistry for Fun, Part 3, Organic: From Alkanes to Amino Acids.
Dr. Gary Retallick Mathematics and Science Gary obtained his Phd in Philosophy of Physics from Kings College London in 2006. His thesis explored the physics of time, touching upon relativity, field equations, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics and metaphysics. Gary began his teaching career in computing, going on to teach philosophy for the WEA and Mary Ward Centre, and physics and mathematics at both Birkbeck College London and the Open University. He currently teaches various science related courses, spanning topics in physics, chemistry and mathematics, at City Lit. Languages - Cornish Aside from his career in Science, Gary has an ongoing interest in languages, in particular Cornish, the language of his ancestors. He began studying Cornish at City Lit in 1998, and after passing the grade three Cornish exam with distinction he started to assist his tutor, Jo P'rhys. After a number of years as language assistant to the class, Gary was formally appointed as teacher of the Cornish beginners class, allowing Jo to concentrate on the higher level classes. Gary now teaches both the beginners and lower intermediate classes.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
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https://www.citylit.ac.uk/when-stars-collapse-the-physics-of-black-holes-from-small-to-supermassive2492470When stars collapse: the physics of black holes, from small to supermassivehttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/w/h/when-stars-collapse-the-physics-of-black-holes-from-small-to-supermassive-hs321-1080.jpg7979GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Business, marketing & technology/Courses/Business, marketing & technology/Science & nature/Astronomy/Courses/Business, marketing & technology/Science & nature22851211123716661228512111666Black holes, created by the collapse of massive stars, are objects which curve space-time to such an extent that light itself cannot escape from them. We explore the compelling physics of these mysterious entities.003075649When stars collapse: the physics of black holes, from small to supermassive7979https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/w/h/when-stars-collapse-the-physics-of-black-holes-from-small-to-supermassive-hs321-1080_3.jpgInStockDaytimeSatKeeley StreetAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekend2027-02-27T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allFeb 2027Business, marketing & technologyHS3217979When stars collapse: the physics of black holes, from small to supermassive635179Gary Retallickwhen-stars-collapse-the-physics-of-black-holes-from-small-to-supermassive/hs321-2627Black holes, created by the collapse of massive stars, are objects which curve space-time to such an extent that light itself cannot escape from them. We explore the compelling physics of these mysterious entities.0000-Available|2027-02-27 00:00:00The possibility of the existence of black holes was first considered in the 18th century, but it was Einstein’s theory of general relativity, published in 1915, which established a sound theoretical basis for such entities. However, for half a century, black holes remained no more than an interesting but purely theoretical possibility amongst physicists.<br><br>It was the discovery of neutron stars in 1967 which indicated that gravitationally collapsed objects are a reality in the universe. Thus the possibility that black holes might actually exist began to be considered, and the search to find them began in earnest, leading to the discovery in 1971 of the first identified black hole, Cygnus X-1.<br><br>In this course, we will examine:<br><br>• How black holes are formed. If a star is sufficiently massive, it may eventually collapse into itself as the outward pressure of its nuclear fusion is overcome by gravity, forming in the process a black hole.<br>• The regions of a black hole: the event horizon, the singularity, the accretion disk, the ergosphere, the photon sphere, the Schwarzschild radius, and gas jets.<br>• How do we find black holes. By definition, we cannot see an object which traps light, but nonetheless there are various forms of evidence that indicate the existence of black holes.<br>• The black hole menagerie. Examining the range of black hole sizes from micro black holes created during the Big Bang to supermassive black holes which lie at the centre of every galaxy, our own included.Black holes, created by the collapse of massive stars, are objects which curve space-time to such an extent that light itself cannot escape from them. We explore the compelling physics of these mysterious entities.• Black hole formation.<br>• The regions of a black hole.<br>• Detecting black holes in space.<br>• Micro , stellar, and supermassive black holes.• Explain how black holes are formed.<br>• Identify the regions of a black hole .<br>• Recognise the evidence for black holes.<br>• Identify the differences between micro, stellar and supermassive black holes.This course does not require any background in physics or mathematics. All the topics will be explained from first principles. At the same time, the topics covered will also be of interest to those who have already delved into this fascinating area of physics.The topics will be presented by the tutor with the aid of various audio-visual presentations such as PowerPoints and short video clips. We will discuss questions as a class as they arise. The materials presented will be available on Google Classroom, but you may wish to make your own notes. There will be no requirement for any work outside of class, although the tutor will be happy to discuss any related topics which you have considered.No other costs. Please bring a pen and paper if you wish to take notes.HS302 Searching for the ultimate particle<br>HS330 Beyond the Standard Model: supersymmetry in physics<br>HS331 Chemistry for Fun, Part 3, Organic: From Alkanes to Amino Acids.Science & natureAstronomyvirtual637951HS321NONESat27/02/27 - 06/03/2710:30 - 13:0010:3013:002 sessions (over 2 weeks)21 to 4 weeksDaytimeWeekendKSKeeley StreetGary RetallickBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2027-02-27T00:00:00+00:00Feb 2027Business, marketing & technology7979When stars collapse: the physics of black holes, from small to supermassivewhen-stars-collapse-the-physics-of-black-holes-from-small-to-supermassive/hs321-2627Black holes, created by the collapse of massive stars, are objects which curve space-time to such an extent that light itself cannot escape from them. We explore the compelling physics of these mysterious entities.0000-Available|2027-02-27 00:00:00The possibility of the existence of black holes was first considered in the 18th century, but it was Einstein’s theory of general relativity, published in 1915, which established a sound theoretical basis for such entities. However, for half a century, black holes remained no more than an interesting but purely theoretical possibility amongst physicists.<br><br>It was the discovery of neutron stars in 1967 which indicated that gravitationally collapsed objects are a reality in the universe. Thus the possibility that black holes might actually exist began to be considered, and the search to find them began in earnest, leading to the discovery in 1971 of the first identified black hole, Cygnus X-1.<br><br>In this course, we will examine:<br><br>• How black holes are formed. If a star is sufficiently massive, it may eventually collapse into itself as the outward pressure of its nuclear fusion is overcome by gravity, forming in the process a black hole.<br>• The regions of a black hole: the event horizon, the singularity, the accretion disk, the ergosphere, the photon sphere, the Schwarzschild radius, and gas jets.<br>• How do we find black holes. By definition, we cannot see an object which traps light, but nonetheless there are various forms of evidence that indicate the existence of black holes.<br>• The black hole menagerie. Examining the range of black hole sizes from micro black holes created during the Big Bang to supermassive black holes which lie at the centre of every galaxy, our own included.Black holes, created by the collapse of massive stars, are objects which curve space-time to such an extent that light itself cannot escape from them. We explore the compelling physics of these mysterious entities.• Black hole formation.<br>• The regions of a black hole.<br>• Detecting black holes in space.<br>• Micro , stellar, and supermassive black holes.• Explain how black holes are formed.<br>• Identify the regions of a black hole .<br>• Recognise the evidence for black holes.<br>• Identify the differences between micro, stellar and supermassive black holes.This course does not require any background in physics or mathematics. All the topics will be explained from first principles. At the same time, the topics covered will also be of interest to those who have already delved into this fascinating area of physics.The topics will be presented by the tutor with the aid of various audio-visual presentations such as PowerPoints and short video clips. We will discuss questions as a class as they arise. The materials presented will be available on Google Classroom, but you may wish to make your own notes. There will be no requirement for any work outside of class, although the tutor will be happy to discuss any related topics which you have considered.No other costs. Please bring a pen and paper if you wish to take notes.HS302 Searching for the ultimate particle<br>HS330 Beyond the Standard Model: supersymmetry in physics<br>HS331 Chemistry for Fun, Part 3, Organic: From Alkanes to Amino Acids.Science & natureAstronomyconfigurable
