Conference

GEORGE ELLIS @ 85

GE@85 PROGRAMME

We are delighted to inform you that, in conjunction with our SAGS Conference from 18 to 22 August 2024 in Stellenbosch, the Society has decided to honor its esteemed first President, Prof. George Ellis, at a function on 22 August 2024. The programme is as follows:

  • Date: 22 August 2024
  • Venue: Adam Small Theatre, 15 Victoria St. Stellenbosch
  • 09h00: Sudan Hansraj (SAGS) Chair
  • 09h10: Roy Maartens
  • 10h00: Daya Reddy
  • Tea: 10h10 – 10h30
  • Aroon Beesham
  • Nigel Bishop
  • Charles Hellaby
  • Peter Dunsby
  • Jeff Murugan
  • Amanda Weltman
  • 11h20: George Ellis
  • 11h35: Presentation: Lifetime Achievement Award
  • 11h40: Concluding Remarks: Sunil Maharaj
  • The Live programme is available to delegates at the conference and a few invited non-delegates. The programme will be broadcast online and information in this regard will appear on the Society’s webpage www.sagravity.co.za
  • ZOOM BROADCAST INFO
  • Topic: GE@85
  • Time: Aug 22, 2024 08:45 AM Harare, Pretoria
  • ZOOM DETAILS: 08h45 – 12h00
  • https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87298863986?pwd=EujuF3DQdWnNEU7HF4LapAMbVfpaUr.1
  • Meeting ID: 872 9886 3986
  • Passcode: GE@85

Cosmology

is the scientific study of the origin, evolution, structure, and dynamics of the universe as a whole. It is a branch of astronomy that seeks to understand the fundamental nature of the universe, its large-scale structure, and the processes that have shaped it over time.

Relativistic Astrophysics

Relativistic astrophysics employs mathematical and theoretical models, numerical simulations, and observations from various telescopes and instruments to study the intricate interplay between gravity, matter, and electromagnetic radiation in extreme astrophysical environments. It continues to shed light on some of the most enigmatic and fascinating phenomena in the universe such as black holes, neutron stars and gravitational waves.

General Relativity

General relativity is a theory of gravity formulated by Albert Einstein in 1915 as a new understanding of the gravitational field as the curvature of spacetime by the presence of mass and energy. It is essential for understanding phenomena in extreme astrophysical environments, such as black holes, neutron stars, and the early universe, as well as for the development of theories that unify gravity with other fundamental forces, such as quantum gravity.

Modified theories of gravity

Modified gravity refers to theoretical models and modifications to Einstein’s theory of general relativity that attempt to explain gravitational phenomena and cosmic observations without invoking the existence of dark matter or dark energy. These modifications propose alternative gravitational theories that deviate from the predictions of general relativity under certain conditions.
The motivation behind modified gravity theories stems from the challenges faced by general relativity in accounting for certain observational discrepancies, such as the accelerated expansion of the universe. Instead of postulating the existence of unseen matter and energy components (dark matter and dark energy) to explain these phenomena, modified gravity theories propose modifications to the gravitational laws.