Meet the Astronomer Lecture - The Meaning of Einstein's Equations

Einstein’s equations are the fundamental equations of the general theory of relativity. Named after Albert Einstein who proposed them in 1915 as a new description of gravity that superseded Newton’s theory, the Einstein equations have been intensively studied for more than hundred years and are the basis for some of the most fascinating scientific discoveries of the 20th and 21st centuries such as black holes, gravitational waves, and the Big Bang. Often described as beautiful and elegant, Einstein’s equations continue to be a topic of active research to this day.

In this talk, Vanderbilt University Professor of Mathematics Dr. Marcelo Disconzi will discuss the meaning of Einstein’s equations, some of their underlying mathematics, and emphasize similarities and differences between how mathematicians and physicists tend to interpret and work with the Einstein equations. The presentation will focus on conceptual ideas, be self-contained, and will not require advanced background in mathematics.

About the Speaker:

Marcelo Disconzi is an associated professor of mathematics at Vanderbilt University. He earned his PhD in mathematics from the State University of New York at Stony Brook in 2012. He works on mathematical aspects of general relativity and fluid dynamics, with a special focus on how gravity and fluids interact with each other. Marcelo and collaborators solved an eighty-year-old problem in mathematics and physics with the discovery of the Bemfica-Disconzi-Noronha-Kovtun theory, or BDNK theory, that reconciles the Navier-Stokes equations of fluid dynamics with Einstein’s equations of general relativity.

Marcelo is the author of more than fifty scientific articles, the upcoming book Relativistic Viscous Fluids, and the book Who Me? I’m a Mathematician Now! The latter is for children about ten years old with the goal of getting kids excited about math and science.

Marcelo is a recipient of a 2018 Sloan Research Fellowship, a 2019 Dean’s Faculty Fellowship, a 2023 Chancellor’s Faculty Fellowship, and he is an Invited Plenary Speaker at the 2025 Fall Southeastern Sectional Meeting of the American Mathematical Society. His research is supported by the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy.

LIVESTREAM the talk for free: https://www.youtube.com/@dyerobservers/streams

Additional Information About the Event:

• Telescope viewings follow when weather permits.
• This talk is recommended for teens and adults.
• A PROMO CODE is available for Vanderbilt students for free tickets. Please email the organizer from your vanderbilt.edu email to get the active code.
• JOIN THE WAITLIST if tickets are not available! We will move the talk to the scenic tented back patio with the jumbo screen if weather allows. This will make 100 more seats available. You will be emailed with further instructions the week of the event if more tickets become available.

Please read carefully:

• You do not need to bring a printed ticket; there will be a guest list at the gate.
• Because this is a historic museum setting, we ask attendees to be mindful of the delicate nature of our exhibits and equipment and watch your children carefully. No running or climbing is permitted anywhere on the grounds or in the building.
• Dress in layers for maximum conformt because the telescopes are in an open dome and outside. Closed-toe footwear is suggested because of gravel on the grounds and on the roof.
• The roof is delicate. Please do not play with the gravel or drag your feet through it. Damage can easily occur.
• If your plans change and you cannot attend, you may invite someone you know to use your tickets/names for entry OR notify observatory staff to release your ticket for others.
• You and members of your group understand that we may take photos that include you for social media or other uses and that we cannot prevent you from being photographed by others.
• Please be considerate of other guests and do not hold up the line with photos through the telescope. With the attendant's permission, you may attempt a photo after the line clears.
• Because this is Vanderbilt University property, firearms and smoking are not allowed.
• Pets are not allowed, but service animals are welcome.

Accessibility:

• The exhibits on the main floor are easily accessible.
• The Seyfert Telescope is on the second floor and is only accessible by twenty steps, split by a large landing.
• Please let us know when you get your tickets if someone in your group cannot climb the stairs, so we may attempt to make some accommodation with another telescope if skies are clear enough for viewing.
• Notify the gate attendant if you have special parking needs.
• There is ample seating in the library for resting.

Address: 1000 Oman Drive, Brentwood TN 37027 (NOT on the main Vanderbilt campus)

Cost: $10.00 . Each person must have their own reservation. Infants do not require tickets.

There is a limit of 10 tickets per order, but you may create another order to buy more tickets.

NO TICKETS ARE SOLD AT THE DOOR. NO REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES. THIS IS A CLEAR OR CLOUDY EVENT.

-----FAQs-----

Should I still come if it is cloudy or bad weather?

Yes! We will only cancel the event if the weather is dangerous. We will give you the option of attending a make-up date or your money will be refunded. We always recommend checking our website before heading up for last-minute announcements.

Is there a minimum age requirement?

All ages are welcome, but we recommend teens and adults because of the level of the talk and the fragility of the historic exhibits and instruments.

What are my transportation/parking options?

We have a large gravel parking lot in front of the observatory. There is no fee to park. We have parking attendants on hand to direct you to a spot. Ride share services are welcome.

How may I register a large group?

PUBLIC ATTENDEES: We do not have a way to register large groups and collect payment. You may have one person from your group order all of the tickets while registration is open or have each member of your group register individually. Please note that tickets sell out quickly, sometimes within hours, so plan accordingly.

VANDERBILT ATTENDEES: Please contact us BEFORE registration opens to discuss entry options.

What can I bring?

Curiosity! We also encourage a camera for taking photos which you may share to social media @dyerobservers. We ask that you not bring in food or drinks.

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

You may message us through Eventbrite or email ZHllcm9ic2VydmF0b3J5IHwgdmFuZGVyYmlsdCAhIGVkdQ==

What's the refund policy?

Due to our fixed costs, we cannot offer refunds, but you may invite someone else to use your name at the gate for entry if you are unable to attend. We cannot transfer your ticket to another date.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

No. Just give the name(s) you registered under for entry. We will have a guest list at the gate.

Do you have free tickets?

We charge to cover our staff, supplies, and parking costs, but if the cost is burden to you or your family, we welcome you to contact us so we may arrange acommodation. Please contact us before an event sells out. Vanderbilt students may contact us for a promo code for free tickets. Please email us from your vanderbilt email account.

We also are frequently asked if there is a dress code. We do not have one, but we ask that you wear what would be appropriate in a setting with children. Dress comfortably. We suggest closed-toe shoes for walking through the gravel parking lot and on the roof. As the telescope domes are not heated/cooled, be sure to dress appropriately for the weather. The exhibit area in the main building is climate controlled.

Also check out other Meetups in Brentwood, Arts events in Brentwood, Literary Art events in Brentwood.