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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