Astrophysics for Everyone: Polytech Talks About the Evolution of the Universe

An open lecture «Unveiling the birth of supermassive black holes» was held at Polytechnic University. The event was organized by the Centauri astronomical club with the support of the Higher School of International Educational Programs. The main speaker was Marco Antonio Centurion, a pre-master’s degree student at the preparatory department of the Higher School of International Educational Programs, head of the Centauri astronomical club, and host of the CentauriCast: Among Stars podcast.

Marco Antonio Centurion immersed the audience in modern cosmological models of the formation of supermassive black holes. Participants examined in detail how the unique capabilities of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) make it possible to observe the infrared radiation of the most ancient galaxies and shed light on the mechanisms of black hole «feeding,» and also discussed the latest theories that are forcing a reconsideration of classical views on the evolution of the Universe.

Ali Karyagdy Haji, a lecture attendee, shared his impressions: Although I am not very interested in astronomy, I am intrigued by unknown things, especially black holes. After the lecture, I can say that I still have questions about them. However, I learned a lot of important things about the existence of black holes and how they are born.