Gravity bends light. If gravity is too strong it bends light completely. Gravity bends (distorts) not only space, but space-time. This planetarium show is a friendly introduction to the General Theory of Relativity suitable for general audiences. You do not have to know what the local metricization of Riemanian manifolds are to appreciate the basis and the results of the General Theory of Relativity. Black Holes are the most extreme results of this theory. They are literally Gravity to the Max. By looking at something in its most extreme case facets that are not revealed in mundane application like normal falling motion on the earth are shown.

The infinite time dilation (time asymmetry) between an outside the hole observer and an observer who decides to visit the hole are explained. Some of the other weird properties of Black Holes including resent observation of the vicinity of black holes will be shared with the audience. Anyone with an inquiring mind and imagination of a typical third grader can enjoy this planetarium show. Those few people who do not want to flex (distort) or exercise (move) their mind are advised to stay home and watch mindless television situation comedies, that are doubtless on at the same time on Saturday evening.

PowerPoint presentation used on  November 18, 2006.
Stars orbiting around the 2.6 million solar mass black hole in the center of our galaxy movie.
Gravitational waves from two merging black holes movie done at the GSFC in 2006 by Joan Centrella, John Baker, and Dale Choi.

Montgomery College's Planetarium home page

Web page by Dr. Harold Alden Williams.
Last changed 7:29A.M. November 20, 2006.