In 30 seconds
Susskind discusses the Event Horizon Telescope image and the separate development of gravitational-wave observations.
- 1First imageSusskind calls the observation a triumph.
- 2Different instrumentsHe discusses the Event Horizon Telescope and LIGO.
- 3ConfirmationHe says the results broadly fit his expectations.
Takeaways
- He calls the image a scientific triumph.
- He reflects on relativity and LIGO.
- He says observations broadly confirmed expectations.
Read the edited text by chapter
An observational achievement
In 2019, Lex Fridman asks physicist Leonard Susskind about the first image from the Event Horizon Telescope. Susskind calls it an extraordinary scientific achievement.
In 2019, Lex Fridman asks physicist Leonard Susskind about the first image from the Event Horizon Telescope. Susskind calls it an extraordinary scientific achievement.
Susskind says the existence of black holes is not itself surprising and speculates that observations may teach researchers about the evolution of cosmic structure.
A century of progress
He reflects on a century of progress from general relativity to black-hole observations and gravitational-wave detection by LIGO. The interview moves between these distinct achievements.
He reflects on a century of progress from general relativity to black-hole observations and gravitational-wave detection by LIGO. The interview moves between these distinct achievements.
Confirmation and admiration
Susskind marvels at the precision of the instruments and says the observations broadly confirmed his expectations rather than overturning them.
Susskind marvels at the precision of the instruments and says the observations broadly confirmed his expectations rather than overturning them.
He expresses admiration for the people and technology behind the observations, describing the achievement as remarkable for human beings.
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