Hero photograph
Prof Kerr with 8HLS and Mr Bache (back right)
 

Visit by the legendary Professor Roy Kerr

Anderley Middleton —

Four Year 8 classes had the experience of a famous New Zealand scientist talking to them on May 27.

ProfessorRoy Kerr is the New Zealand scientist who was able to solve mathematically (and without the use of computers), Einstein’s equations in relation to what black holes are like. Through his calculations he found that they had to be rotating bodies. Most other scientists thought them to be static. 

It took him 4 months to complete the mathematics in 1963 at Cambridge University where he was a resident. Until recently his conclusion was neither proved nor disproved but when the radio telescope photo of the largest black hole that has ever been seen was released to the world last month, the conclusion that he reached as a result of the calculations he performed 57 years ago were proven to be correct, namely that there is a visible mass rotating around the outside of a black hole. 

Prof Kerr will be recommended for a Nobel Prize next year and we hope he wins. He told us that he had always loved maths since he was a toddler and did not hold any other interest in other subjects. He believes his pathway to academic success was due to his single devotion towards mathematics and this has been his lifelong career. 

Even at a cool 85 years of age he is still being invited to speak at many scientific symposia around the world. He would often pop in and see Stephen Hawking when he was in England. 

Prof Kerr was an inspiration to us all and it was a real  pleasure having him speak to us. He signed the Astronomy Club's new telescope. 

We are so very grateful to have had the opportunity of his visit. Thanks to Patrick, his son and Promo Teacher Aide, for teeing up this awesome occasion for our students.