In part 1 of my conversation with Prof Debarati Chatterjee, we covered her journey to becoming an astrophysicist & working at Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA). Then we talked about key concepts needed to understand Gravitational Waves and modeling pasta-like structures within Neutron Stars.

In this part we’ll start by covering the basics of Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO). Then we talk about the challenges of building LIGO-India and its position in the global array of gravitational wave detectors. We’ll close out with the importance of doing this Mega Science project and need for more public outreach.

I hope you enjoy this one!

* [00:00 - 05:50] LIGO basics LIGO-India, International Pulsar Timing Array, Hulse–Taylor pulsar

* [05:50 - 09:30] LIGO-India vs other detectors LIGO-India: A Planned Joint India-US Detector

* [09:30 - 11:30] International collaboration & role of India LIGO-India Scientific Collaboration (LISC)

* [11:30 - 21:30] Importance of public outreach for LIGO & why it is a Mega Science project!

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From Galileo to Einstein, humanity’s best minds have spent a considerable amount of time trying to understand the physical laws of our Universe. Now we’re testing the limits of our understanding by studying the most unique objects that the cosmos can provide us — Neutron Stars, Black Holes and Gravitational Waves. This requires the current generation of physicists to build analytical models, collaborate across domains and construct enormously complex experiments.

Prof Debarati Chatterjee is one such physicist. In this part 1 of my conversation with her we cover her journey to becoming an astrophysicist and working at Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCCA). We also talk about the state of Gravitational Wave science in India, the creation & importance of IUCCA and then dig deeper into some of the key concepts needed to understand Gravitational Waves.

In talking to Prof Chatterjee, it’s clear to see her passion for astrophysics and focus on being a skilled science communicator. I hope you enjoy listening to this conversation. Part 2 is coming soon!

* [00:00 - 01:00] Introduction - Prof. Debarati Chatterjee, LIGO-India

* [01:00 - 04:00] Background - AstroSat MISSION, AstroSat News, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), First Observation of Gravitational Waves

* [04:00 - 07:35] IUCAA, Jayant Narlikar

* [07:35 - 12:10] Life Cycle of stars - The Star Lifecycle, The Electromagnetic Spectrum, Doomed Neutron Stars & Gravitational Waves

* [12:10 - 17:05] Gravity from Newton to Einstein - How Does GPS Work?, Newton & His Orbits, Space-time warp, Free Fallin’ With Einstein, Gravitational Waves

* [17:05 - 22:00] Analytical models & Neutron Stars - Nuclear Pasta in Neutron Stars

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The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) is the space based Gravitational Wave detector being built and launched by European Space Agency(ESA), with support from NASA.

In this conversation with Dr Oliver Jennrich, we cover his path to becoming LISA study scientist, the need for a space based detector and collaborations needed for this project.

* [00:10 - 00:40] Introduction

* [00:40 - 04:40] Dr Oliver Jennrich’s career highlights

* [04:40 - 16:00] Key concepts for LISA – Spacetime, Gravitational Waves (tides)

* [16:00 - 25:00] Ground based detectors (LIGO & Pulsar Timing Array)

* [25:00 - 26:20] Black Hole Blues

* [26:20 - 30:40] Timeline for building and getting LISA to orbit

* [30:40 - 32:00] LISA pathfinder & maturity of space industry

* [32:00 - 34:40] ESA & NASA partnership + ESA member states

* [34:40 - 38:40] Making sense of the Data to understand the Universe

* [38:40 - 40:05] Wrap up

Few people can turn their hobby into a tool for public benefit. Mark has certainly done that by turning his love for Astronomy into public education events. My conversation with Mark covers how he does impactful science communication by bringing the Universe down to us in its exquisite detail. Mark’s success proves that a picture is worth a thousand words. We also talk about how anyone can ignite the love for Astronomy in young and old.

I hope you enjoy this as much as I did talking to Mark!

[00:00 - 01:30] Intro – Instagram, Website, Youtube, Threads

[01:30 - 03:10] Changes during Covid

[03:10 - 05:10] Building the brand

[05:10 - 07:30] What inspires Mark?

[07:30 - 09:00] Impact of looking up

[09:00 - 10:30] Favorite image

[10:30 - 13:40] Choosing what to show on outreach events (NGC3206 Supernova)

[13:40 - 15:45] Common questions asked – How do we measure the distances to things in space?

[15:45 - 17:30] NASA Solar System Program

[17:30 - 22:20] Spark interest of Astronomy in young & old – Darksite finder

[22:20 - 23:30] What equipment to start with? Guide

[23:30 - 26:10] Building the social media brand

I am excited to share that I'm starting a new podcast series, to connect directly with science communicators & experts that I have encountered in my writing journey. And my first guest will be none other than Jatan Mehta.

So I hope you’ll subscribe and come along for this journey. See you soon!