#15 - Dr. Duncan Lorimer - Pulsars, Discovering Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs), and Creating Music

10/31/18 • 96 min

In this episode Brendan is joined by Dr. Duncan Lorimer. Duncan Lorimer is a Professor of Physics at West Virginia University and is interested in compact objects (black holes, neutron stars and white dwarfs) which he studies using radio pulsars. In 2007, his research group discovered a new type of object that had never been observed before - fast radio bursts (FRBs). These objects are still a mystery. Duncan is also a very good blues/folk musician who's music can be found at soundcloud.com/duncan-lorimer. I encourage you to check out his music! More information about Duncan can be found at duncanlorimer.com. A film detailing the efforts to get high school students involved in radio astronomy research at Green Bank, WV can be viewed at lgmfilm.com.

Throughout the episode we discuss pulsars, fast radio bursts, what it's like to discover a new type of astronomical object, Green Bank, West Virginia, getting high school students involved in research, and writing/playing music.

Be sure to support the show by leaving a rating or a review and subscribing to receive future content. Consider becoming a Patron by donating to the show on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/thestateoftheuniverse. For more episodes or information about "The State of The Universe with Brendan Drachler" visit thestateoftheuniverse.com or follow Brendan on Twitter and Instagram @BrendanDrachler.

The State of the Universe is an accessible science and social podcast hosted by Astrophysicist Brendan Drachler. Listen to Brendan and other renowned members of society discuss and explain cutting edge research and profound ideas.

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#12 - Bernie Taylor - Before Orion, The First Astronomers, Astrology, and Recognizing Genius

Bernie Taylor is an independent naturalist, thought leader and author whose research explores the mythological connections and biological knowledge among prehistoric, indigenous and ancient peoples. His works in these areas include Biological Time (2004) and Before Orion: Finding the Face of the Hero(2017). Supplemental material for this episode can be found here.

More about Bernie Taylor and his work can be found at BeforeOrion.com. Bernie can also be found on Twitter @BernieTaylorOr and Instagram @BeforeOrion.

For more episodes or information about "The State of The Universe with Brendan Drachler" visit thestateoftheuniverse.com or follow Brendan on Twitter and Instagram @BrendanDrachler.

The State of the Universe is an accessible science and social podcast hosted by Astrophysicist Brendan Drachler. Listen to Brendan and other renowned members of the scholarly community discuss and explain cutting edge research and profound ideas.

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#16 - Dr. Maura McLaughlin - Gravitational Waves, NANOGrav and the Pulsar Search Collaboratory

Dr. Maura McLaughlin is a distinguished professor of physics and astronomy at West Virginia University. She is also the chair of the NANOGrav collaboration and the co-director of the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC). More information about NANOGrav can be found at nanograv.org and the PSC can be found at pulsarsearchcollaboratory.com.

Maura and Brendan discuss Pulsars, NANOGrav, Gravitational Waves, LIGO, engaging children in science, opioid addiction, and being a woman in science.

The music featured in this episode belongs to Duncan Lorimer and can be found at https://soundcloud.com/duncan-lorimer.