“Probing The Universe With LIGO: A Nobel Prize Winning Project” Coming To The Hamptons

Montauk Observatory, in collaboration with Stony Brook University and Brookhaven National Laboratory, will welcome 2017 Nobel Laureate, Dr. Rainer Weiss, on Wednesday, October 10 for “Probing the Universe with LIGO: A Nobel Prize Winning Project.”

“We’re honored to host such a distinguished individual as Dr. Weiss and to collaborate with two of Long Island’s most eminent academic and scientific institutions to present such a momentous experience,” said Donna L. McCormick, Montauk Observatory’s Executive Director. “Dr. Weiss and his contribution to science will be remembered for generations to come.”

Taking place at Chancellors Hall at the Stony Brook University Southampton Campus at 6 p.m., Dr. Weiss, who is Professor Emeritus of Physics at MIT, will speak about his lengthy, illustrious career, which includes serving as the leading researcher in cosmic microwave background radiation at MIT and overseeing a scientific working group for NASA’s Cosmic Background Explorer (COBE) satellite. Dr. Weiss will also speak about the history of the LIGO project, covering gravitational waves and their importance in regards to understanding the Universe.

“In this time when the U.S. has fallen far behind many other countries in science, it’s especially vital to bring such knowledge-enriching events to our community for the benefit of all, but especially to inspire the youth of this and future generations,” McCormick added. “Montauk Observatory is deeply grateful to Dr. Weiss, to our co-sponsors Stony Brook University, Brookhaven National Laboratory, as well as to Biagio Cru Estate Wines and to Ms. Sheryl Gold for their support of this event.”

The lecture will launch with opening remarks from Professor Sean Tvelia, a founding member of Montauk Observatory’s Board of Directors and Academic Chair of Science at Suffolk County Community College’s Ammerman Campus.

Dr. Will Farr, Associate Professor in Physics and Astronomy at Stony Brook, Gravitational Wave Astronomy group leader at the Flatiron Center for Computational Astronomy, and member of LIGO, will introduce Dr. Weiss.

Admission is free, however reservations are required. To reserve a spot, email [email protected] or call 631-632-6873. A reception will follow.

Chancellors Hall is located at 239 Montauk Highway in Southampton. For more information, visit www.montaukobservatory.com.