Sunday Speaker: Dr. Blitz - I Think Black Holes Are Cool and You Should Too

Sunday Speaker Topic:
Join HSGP and TikTok's Dr Blitz on a physicist's journey into the darkest corners of the cosmos!

Description:
Black holes, as understood in their modern form, were first (implicitly) predicted using Einstein's theory of gravity in 1916. In the following half a century, physicists across the world studied these curious, but ultimately theoretical, objects. But in the latter half of the 20th century, indirect evidence for their presence in the real universe grew until, in 2019, the first direct image of a black hole was produced.

As the most extreme consequences of relativity, these astrophysical objects challenge our understanding of matter, energy, space, time, and even causality. And it is these mind-warping ideas that has driven and continues to drive physicists like Dr. Blitz to study them - both to better understand their own behavior and as testing grounds for ideas that shape the cosmos.

In this talk, Dr. Blitz will recount his own story of how he became interested in black holes and, hopefully, by explaining the history and theory of black holes, will convince the audience why they should be too.

**Humanist Minute Request: Whether it’s a quote that resonates with you, a story that moved you, or a reflection on compassion, reason, or community, your voice can help set a meaningful tone for the gathering. Please consider delivering our Humanist Minute this week and sign up on SignUp Genius!**

Bio:
Samuel Blitz, known as Dr. Blitz online, is a mathematician and physicist specializing in relativity and geometry. Since earning his PhD in mathematical physics in 2022, he’s taken to the public arena, engaging in science outreach, as well as philosophical and political debate and discussion.

He has authored or coauthored more than a dozen scientific papers in prestigious journals, focusing on Einstein's general relativity and its implications for black holes and cosmology. His academic influence is marked by international speaking engagements and research grants that support his continued investigations into theoretical physics.

Begun as a whimsical endeavor to dissuade flat-earthers and educate the broader public about deeper physics, Dr Blitz's social media following has grown since 2022 to more than 400,000 followers on TikTok, and 20,000 subscribers on YouTube. He creates daily educational content demystifying physics and debunking pseudoscience. Dr Blitz's passion for science communication and expertise in his field makes him a potent debate opponent and inspiring teacher. Being able to do both - educate and research - mean that, in his view, he is living the dream.

Please Note:
Doors open at 9:00 am for optional buffet breakfast ($5 donation) and socializing. Speaker program begins at 10:00 am.

Important: $5 breakfast fee waived for awesome humans bringing in food to share!

If you can help with set-up, clean-up, and/or by bringing a breakfast casserole, please go to SignUpGenius HERE.

A Children's Program is available during the Speaker Meeting. Go to a separate Meetup to RSVP for your kids HERE.

Prefer to join us remotely?

1. Zoom Link: Zoom Here
2. YOUTUBE: You can watch live (15 second delay), or you can watch later. LINK HERE

Need help? Email humanist@hsgp.org before the day of this meeting.

The Humanist Society of Greater Phoenix presents its Sunday Speaker meetings twice a month on Sunday mornings. Meetings are free and open to the public.

**Go to our YouTube channel to see past meetings, presentations and and interviews. Please become a subscriber--it's free! LINK HERE
**We invite you to become a dues-paying member of HSGP. To become a member or make a donation, go to www.hsgp.org