Explore black holes, neutron stars and cosmic mysteries with a TIFR astrophysicist at this Mumbai session

X ray image of the Moon by Einstein Probe

Curated by Priyanka Kamthe and Sujay Jadhav, Kyurious Cattery is a platform that brings together people who are curious about subjects beyond the obvious. Its latest offering turns that curiosity towards astronomy, with Dr Sayantan Bhattacharya, an astrophysicist at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR Mumbai), leading the event.

The session, ‘Blackholes aren't Black. The Moon isn't White,' explores what happens when X-ray eyes are turned towards the dead stars. The Neutron stars, black holes and the Moon take on new dimensions when the universe is viewed beyond ordinary light.

Dr Sayantan Bhattacharya

The experience begins with astronomy games, trivia and questions before moving into an interactive session with Dr Bhattacharya. An open Q&A follows, offering participants the opportunity to ask the astronomer about the cosmic mysteries that have long intrigued them. The evening then winds down with an informal gathering, allowing conversations to continue beyond the session.

Priyanka Kamthe

"The main purpose is to get people who are curious about varied topics, different subjects, and different themes, which they are not actually actively involved in. There are so many concepts involved which we feel are fascinating, but we did not choose the career option," says Kamthe.

For the curators, the idea extends beyond one evening or one subject. Kyurious Cattery hopes to create more such encounters across fields, giving people a chance to explore interests they may have left behind. The sessions also support a non-profit organisation, Edurved, to help improve access to education for students aspiring to pursue science and competitive examinations.

Supermassive black hole at the center of Galaxy M 87 captured by the Event Horizon Telescope. Pics courtesy/Kyurious Cattery

Cosmic spaghetti

A stellar-mass black hole can stretch an object lengthwise while squeezing it from the sides, creating a noodle-like shape. Scientists call this strange effect "Spaghettification".

ON August 30; 10.30 am to 1 pm
AT Starbucks, opposite The Theosophical Society, Juhu Tara Road, Juhu.
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COST Rs 799