Birthday celebrations for the mathematician who finished Einstein’s sums

Published by the Communications and Development Department

 

23 August 2004

In 1963 a University of Canterbury mathematician, Roy Kerr, achieved something that had eluded scientists for 47 years.

He found the solution to Einstein's gravitational field equations of 1915, now known as the Kerr solution, which exactly describes the space outside a rotating black hole.

There are over 100 million trillion such objects in the observable universe, making Emeritus Professor Kerr’s solution of crucial importance for science.

Since 1963 his achievement has come to be regarded as the most important exact solution to any equation in physics, and has been pivotal in deepening understanding of astrophysics and gravitation theory.

His discovery of the solution has been recognised internationally by the Royal Society, which awarded him its Hughes Medal in 1984, and by the Royal Society of New Zealand which awarded him its Hector Medal in 1982 and its Rutherford Medal in 1993.

This week (26-28 August) more than 40 black hole experts from the UK, Europe, USA, Australia and New Zealand will gather at Canterbury University for a special symposium and public lecture, to celebrate Professor Kerr’s scientific achievements and his 70th birthday.

For further information about the Kerr Fest Black Holes Symposium visit www.phys.canterbury.ac.nz/kerrfest or contact:

John MacDonald
Communications Manager
University of Canterbury

Tel: +64-3-364 2910
Fax: +64-3-364 2679
Mob: +64-27-441 7280
john.macdonald@canterbury.ac.nz