Galaxies, black holes and the birth of the Universe

A special guest lecture from Dr. Anna D. Kapinska, the 2026 American Astronomical Society Harlow Shapley Lecturer Black holes are among the most mysterious objects in the Universe. They emit no light of their own, yet the matter falling into them can outshine entire galaxies. How do we study something that cannot be seen? The answer lies in learning to "see" the invisible. In this lecture, we will journey from the hearts of nearby galaxies to the dawn of the Universe. Along the way, we will discover how astronomers use the full spectrum of light—from radio waves to X-rays—to reveal the hidden workings of black holes. We will see how these cosmic giants launch powerful jets that can extend far beyond their host galaxies, shaping the galaxies they inhabit and influencing their evolution over billions of years. Together, these discoveries tell a remarkable story: by learning to see the invisible, we are uncovering how the Universe itself came to be. Free Eventbrite registration required.