Speakers/Schedule

• K G Arun (CMI) – 9:30 - 10:45 AM

Title: The Landscape of Gravitational Wave Astronomy: Past, Present, and      Future

Abstract: I will trace the path leading to the historic discovery of gravitational waves with interferometric detectors and discuss why gravitational wave astronomy is a powerful tool for revolutionizing our understanding of the universe.

• Sriramkumar L (IIT Madras) – 11:15 - 12:30 PM

Title: Decoding Cosmic Origins with Rays and Ripples

Abstract: Over the past half-a-century or so, observations of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) have transformed our understanding of the primordial universe. The CMB offers a snapshot of the earliest stages of the universe and indicates the physical processes at play. The groundbreaking detection of gravitational waves (GWs) from merging compact binaries by the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory about a decade ago has opened a new observational window into the cosmos. Further, the recent observations by the pulsar timing arrays, which suggest a stochastic gravitational-wave background, have the potential to help us determine the detailed history of the early universe. In this talk aimed at students, I will describe the manner in which the synergy between decades of studies of the CMB and emerging gravitational-wave observations is deepening our insight into the physics of the primordial universe.

• Ajit Mehta (CMI) – 2:00-3:15PM

Title: Ripples in Spacetime: Ten Years of Gravitational-Wave Physics and Astrophysics

Abstract: Exactly ten years ago, we heard the universe for the very first time, a clear “chirp” from two colliding black holes. That moment opened a fresh window on the cosmos. Since then, gravitational waves have revealed how black holes and neutron stars live, merge, and shape the universe around us. In this talk, we will journey through what we have learned so far, the mysteries that remain, and the exciting road ahead as we continue listening to the universe.