Public talk (in German): „Gravity – From falling apples to potatoes to the orchestra of the universe“
Public talk
- Date: Nov 13, 2025
- Time: 07:00 PM - 08:30 PM (Local Time Germany)
- Speaker: Markus Otto
- Location: VHS -Bildungszentrum im Eichenpark, Stadtparkallee 31, 30853 Langenhagen
- Room: Raum 1
- Host: Michael Smykalla, Naturkundliche Vereinigung Langenhagen (NVL)
- Topic: Discussion and debate formats, lectures
We humans conduct our first gravitational experiments as small children: everything falls down! But why is that? This seemingly simple question will accompany us throughout the entire talk.
The first part of the talk will initially seek the answer in classical mechanics, which was formulated in its current form by Newton as early as 1687. We will see from many examples that gravity plays an important role in everyday life and in our environment.
In the second part, we will learn about concepts that can be used to measure gravity – both on Earth and in space. For example, high-precision satellite-based measurements, such as those taken as part of the GRACE-FO mission, can be used to measure ice melt at the polar caps or the decline in groundwater levels in India from space. And anyone who thought that the Earth was (approximately) spherical will be in for a little surprise here.
The last part of the talk will focus on the best possible theory of gravity currently available, the general theory of relativity. If its effects were not taken into account (e.g., in on-board navigation (GPS)), position determination would quickly become far too inaccurate.
The number of participants is limited. Registration by 10 November 2025, at the latest, with Michael Smykalla, tel. 0511-7244260.