Watch Black Holes, Tides, and Curved Spacetime: Understanding Gravity

Black Holes, Tides, and Curved Spacetime: Understanding Gravity is a fascinating series of lectures from The Great Courses that explores the mysteries of gravity and how it shapes our universe. Presented by Dr. Benjamin Schumacher, a theoretical physicist at Kenyon College, the course is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the science of gravity while also delving into some of the most intriguing questions about the nature of space and time.

Over the course of 24 lectures, viewers are taken on a journey through the history of gravity, from the early ideas of Aristotle and Galileo to the groundbreaking theories of Newton and Einstein. Along the way, Dr. Schumacher covers a range of topics related to gravity, including gravitational waves, black holes, and the curvature of spacetime.

The lectures are designed to be accessible and engaging for people with no background in physics, making them perfect for anyone who is curious about the workings of the universe. Dr. Schumacher uses a combination of clear explanations, real-world examples, and stunning visualizations to help viewers better understand some of the more complex concepts.

One of the key themes of the course is the idea of gravity as a force of attraction that operates throughout the universe. Dr. Schumacher explains how this force affects everything from the tides to the orbits of planets, and how it can even influence the behavior of light. He also explores the impact of gravity on the structure of the universe itself, including the ways in which it has shaped the distribution of galaxies and other celestial bodies.

But the course isn't just a dry recitation of scientific facts. Dr. Schumacher is a gifted storyteller who is able to bring to life some of the most fascinating aspects of gravitational science. For instance, he describes how the observation of a distant supernova in the late 1990s led researchers to the startling conclusion that the expansion of the universe is accelerating, and how this discovery has challenged our understanding of the nature of gravity.

Black Holes, Tides, and Curved Spacetime also delves into some of the more esoteric aspects of gravitational science, including the phenomenon of black holes. Dr. Schumacher explains how these enigmatic objects form when massive stars collapse under the force of their own gravity, creating a region of spacetime from which nothing can escape. He also explores some of the strange and fascinating properties of black holes, including their role in shaping the structure of the universe and their potential as a source of energy.

Throughout the course, Dr. Schumacher challenges viewers to think deeply about the nature of space and time, and how our understanding of these concepts has evolved over time. He also emphasizes the importance of scientific inquiry, and how the process of discovering new knowledge often involves challenging long-held assumptions and beliefs.

Overall, Black Holes, Tides, and Curved Spacetime: Understanding Gravity is a thought-provoking and informative series of lectures that offers a fascinating look into the science of gravity. Whether you're a science enthusiast or simply curious about the workings of the universe, this course is sure to captivate and inspire you.

Black Holes, Tides, and Curved Spacetime: Understanding Gravity is a series that ran for 1 seasons (24 episodes) between August 30, 2013 and on The Great Courses