The Math of Astronomy: Music of the Spheres

Science is often detective work, looking for patterns in the chaos of the world around us. These patterns are in many ways akin to the notes and measures in a passage of music. Researchers benefit from mathematical tools which empower them to distill patterns from a clutter of distractions, in much the same way one can pick out a distant melody against the background of a noisy room. A powerful mathematical technique will be introduced and explored, from the perspective of an astrophysicist who uses it to explore the universe at the highest levels of resolution: MoMath is delighted to welcome Gerard van Belle, Astronomer & Director, Navy Precision Optical Interferometer.

Note: This talk will coincide with Jupiter being at opposition on May 8th, 20:28 EDT, meaning it will be at its brightest, closest approach; with a pair of binoculars the Galilean satellites of Jupiter should be easily observable.