Explore the fascinating world of black holes in this comprehensive public lecture featuring Nobel Laureate Roger Penrose, Professor Dennis Lehmkuhl, and broadcasting legend Melvyn Bragg. Delve into the groundbreaking mathematical tools developed by Penrose in 1965 that revolutionized physicists' understanding of these cosmic phenomena. Discover how Einstein's initial skepticism about black holes was overturned, and trace the compelling story of 20th-century science that led to their acceptance. Learn about key concepts such as Penrose's Theorem, event horizons, and trap surfaces, while gaining insights into the historical context of these discoveries. Examine the roles of influential scientists like Chandrasekhar, Oppenheimer, Snyder, and John Wheeler in shaping our understanding of black holes. Investigate advanced topics including four-dimensional space, light cones, two-component spinners, and general relativity. This Oxford Mathematics Public Lecture, supported by XTX Markets, offers a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of mathematics, physics, and cosmology through the lens of one of the most enigmatic objects in the universe. Read more