Compton series delves into Einstein's theory

Einstein's theory of relativity will be the subject of "The Fabric of Space and Time," a series of free public lectures at the University beginning Saturday, Sept. 30. The nine-lecture series will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday mornings through Dec. 2 (except Nov. 25), in Kersten 115.

The lectures will be presented by physicist Eanna Flanagan, who will explain the basic tenets of Einstein's theory of relativity as well as discuss that theory's relevance to current research.

Among the topics of discussion will be research currently under way to detect gravity waves from outer space -- phenomena predicted by Einstein's theory but as yet undetected -- and scientists' current understanding of how ordinary physical laws cease to apply inside black holes.

Flanagan received his M.Sc. in mathematical science from University College Dublin in 1988 and his Ph.D. in theoretical physics from Caltech in 1993. He is an Enrico Fermi Fellow in the Enrico Fermi Institute.

The talks are part of the Arthur Holly Compton Lectures, sponsored each fall and spring by the Enrico Fermi Institute.

The lectures, which are free and open to the public, are intended to make science accessible to a general audience and to convey the excitement of new discoveries in the physical sciences.

For more information, call 7027823.