BRICS 2021 — Venue SH | Plenary Talk by Prof. Sudan Hansraj
Channel: BRICS Mathematics Conference 2021
Date: 2021-12-07

Title: Mathematics of Gravity
Speaker: Sudan Hansraj, University of KwaZulu-Natal

Abstract: We consider a brief history of developments over the past century in the area of gravitation. The seminal work of Einstein, namely his general theory of relativity propounded in 1915, opened new vistas of science that would exert a profound influence on the advance of humanity. What began as mathematical speculations in answering fundamental questions about the universe, the galaxies and stars has led to the development of novel technologies to verify a number of theoretical predictions experimentally in our time. The detection of gravitational waves and the photon sphere around black holes ushered in a new era of mathematical physics and for good reason earned Nobel recognition. But several questions remain unanswered. For example, what explains the observed accelerated expansion of the universe? The answers may lie in the area of experimental physics such as in finding support for the existence of dark matter and dark energy. On the other hand, the answers may lie in, modifying the mathematical sector of Einstein’s theory of relativity to incorporate higher curvature effects which can explain anomalous behavior. These ideas will be contemplated in our talk. Additionally, we argue for the continued support to be given to fundamental investigations and groundbreaking mathematical discoveries at universities that can hold the key to unlocking an understanding of previously obscure scientific phenomena.