2025 Misel Family Public Lecture: Kip Thorne, Caltech
The William I. Fine Theoretical Physics Institute is proud to host the 18th Annual Misel Family Public Lecture. This lecture is FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Questions? Please contact us at [email protected] or 612-625-6055. We look forward to seeing you there!
"Exploring the Warped Side of our Universe: from Black Holes, Wormholes and the Big Bang to Gravitational Waves and Time Travel"
Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.
McNamara Alumni Center, Memorial Hall
Abstract: In 1964, when Thorne was a student, there were hints that our universe might have a Warped Side: Objects and phenomena made from warped space and warped time instead of from matter. Thorne and his colleagues have spent these past sixty years turning those hints into clear understanding. They have explored the Warped Side through theory (using mathematics and computer simulations to probe what the laws of physics predict) and through astronomical observations (primarily with gravitational waves). In this lecture he will describe what they have learned about Warped-Side phenomena: black holes, wormholes, gravitational waves, our universe’s big-bang birth, and the possibility of time travel.
Parking is available at various University of Minnesota East Bank parking facilities, including:
- University Avenue Ramp (1926 University Avenue SE)
- Washington Avenue Ramp (501 Washington Avenue SE)
- Fourth Street Ramp (1625 4th Street SE)
The event is also conveniently located near the Metro Green Line East Bank Station.
Can't make it to the lecture?
Stream live on our YouTube channel
Please register through the UMN Events Calendar (registration is encouraged but not required).
Read more about Professor Thorne on his webpage or watch one of his previous lectures on YouTube.
Feynman Professor of Theoretical Physics - Emeritus
California Institute of Technology