Gamma rays, black holes and the death of the dinosaurs

Monday, 6 July 1998

A new public lecture at the University of Adelaide will open a window on some of the most puzzling and exotic mysteries of the universe ­ gamma ray bursts, black holes and the death of the dinosaurs.

This FREE lecture, to be given by eminent scientist Dr Brian Boyle, is part of a major astronomy conference at the University of Adelaide (July 6-9).

More than 120 astronomers from around Australia and overseas will converge on the university for the annual scientific meeting of the Astronomical Society of Australia (ASA). One of the highlights of ASA98 will be the Harley Wood Public Lecture, Gamma Ray Bursts, Black Holes, and the Death of the Dinosaurs.

"For over 30 years, astronomers have puzzled over the nature of gamma ray bursts," says Dr Boyle, who is the director of the Anglo-Australian Observatory at Coonabarabran, NSW.

"They are intense sources of high-energy radiation which switch on and off in a matter of seconds. In the past year, astronomers have at last been able to identify the types of objects which give rise to gamma ray bursts ­ with some surprising results.

"These objects are linked with the most exotic forms of matter in the Universe ­ neutron stars and black holes ­ and may be responsible for the periodic extinctions on Earth," he says.

• WHERE? Flentje lecture theatre (pronounced: FLENT-JEE) University of Adelaide
• WHEN? 7.30pm, Tuesday, July 7

NOTE: Dr Brian Boyle will be in Adelaide from Monday, July 6 and will be available for interviews.

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