Featured Research: Science

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UP astrophysicist part of team that won 2020 Breakthrough Prize for Fundamental Physics

University of Pretoria (UP) astrophysicist, Professor Roger Deane is a part of a consortium of scientists that has won the prestigious 2020 Breakthrough Prize for Fundamental Physics, for giving the world the first image of a black hole in April this year.

Talking Point

UP professor proposes new theory for understanding the universe that challenges Big Bang Theory

Professor Mohsen Sharifpur, an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Pretoria, has developed a new scientific theory that may hold the key to understanding the secrets of the early universe – as well as a perspective of the future of our universe.

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Astronomers capture first image of a black hole

The Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) — a planet-scale array of eight ground-based radio telescopes forged through international collaboration — was designed to capture images of a black hole. Today (10 April), in coordinated press conferences across the globe, EHT researchers reveal that they have succeeded, unveiling the first direct visual evidence of a supermassive black hole and its shadow.

Video

The University of Pretoria's role in the ground-breaking image of the black hole

Congratulations to UP's Professor Roger Deane and his team, who are part of the international group behind today’s announcement of the first image of a black hole ever captured. Prof Roger Deane explains more in this video.

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In the Shadow of the Black Hole.

The Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) — a planet-scale array of eight ground-based radio telescopes forged through international collaboration — was designed to capture images of a black hole. Today (10 April), in coordinated press conferences across the globe, EHT researchers reveal that they have succeeded, unveiling the first direct visual evidence of a supermassive black hole and its shadow.

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The world's first image of the shadow of a black hole

University of Pretoria (UP) astrophysicist Professor Roger Deane was part of the international group of scientists who have captured the first image of a black hole. His group worked to develop simulations of the complex, Earth-sized telescope used to make this historic discovery. These simulations attempt to mimic and better understand the data coming from the real instrument, which is made up...