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_{Chi-Kwan "CK" Chan,
Associate Astronomer, Steward Observatory}

Abstract

Black holes are the most powerful engines in the Universe, converting gravitational energy into radiation and, in some systems, relativistic jets that propagate across their host galaxies. By resolving these engines on event-horizon scales, the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) has turned black holes into laboratories for testing gravity and extreme astrophysical models. In this talk, I will discuss my work on the Galactic Center black hole, Sgr A*, whose low luminosity and rapid variability make it a uniquely probe of spacetime and accretion physics. I will also discuss how observing and understanding black hole engines can drive innovation and advances in scientific computing, data science, machine learning, and even space technology

Timbits, coffee, tea will be served in STI A before the colloquium.