Swimming with Gravitational Waves is an audiovisual performance with a difference!

First, it happens in a swimming pool with both underwater and overwater speakers to convey the musical performance to you, in the water!

Second, it uses the same technology that detects gravitational waves! The Gravity Synth makes music using Laser Interferometry – and you will get a heads up from an astrophysics researcher as to how that works before you get into the pool!

What to expect on the night:

For your session (i.e. 6.30pm, 7.30pm and 8.30pm) you’ll receive an intro to LIGO and gravitational wave detection from Dr Andrew Spencer from Glasgow University’s Institute of Gravitational Research (IGR), the largest research group for gravitational wave research in the UK.

Followed by a 45 minute session in the water! You will be able to change on the pool side but you are  advised to come already dressed, so you save time and have the the full experience and time in the pool. Please remember to bring swimming kit and a towel! Changing rooms are provided at Arlington Baths.

A full thirty minute live performance from modular synth aficionado Leon Trimble with his Gravity Synth that uses LIGO technology. An electronic music journey starting with some chill textures and gradually ramping up to a Birmingham school techno set!

This will be followed by a fifteen minute sonic journey from the man who developed the Wet Sounds system and harnesses the power of underwater speakers perfectly!

Important information for attendees – Child supervision policy

Children and families are encouraged to attend Session 1, the family-friendly session. Children’s tickets are available at half price for this session.

Children under the age of 6 months are not permitted in the pool. Children under the age of 8 years must be accompanied in the water by an adult. An adult can be responsible for:

• A maximum of 2 children aged 4 years and over but under 8 years.
• A maximum of 1 child aged under 4 years, except if the swimming activity is restricted to the shallow end of the pool where this ratio may be increased to 2 children under 4 years.
• All attendees under the age of 18 must be accompanied into the club by an adult.

Accessibility

The entrance to the Arlington Baths has 3 stairs, however a deployable ramp is available for wheelchair or other users if required. The pool and changing rooms are accessible from the entrance level.

The room for the initial 15 minute interactive talk is located up a flight of stairs which, due to it being a historical building, does not have alternative lifts to access this floor. If this causes access issues for you, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and the team will find a solution to provide the full experience of the event.

Photography

Please note, photographs may be taken by a professional photographer during sessions 2 and 3. These photographs will be taken from a distance with people in the water.

If you have any concerns or do not wish to be photographed, please speak to a member of the organising team before the pool session begins. If anyone under the age of 18 is attending session 2 or 3, please make them known to staff before the pool session to discuss photographic consent.

No photography will be permitted during the family friendly session 1.

Institute of Physics

Thanks the Institute of Physics (IOP) for their support. The IOP in Scotland aims to promote the role of physics in education, health, the environment, technology, and scientific literacy.

IOP: “We work with a range of partners to support and develop the teaching of physics in schools; we encourage innovation, growth and productivity in business including addressing significant skills shortages; and we provide evidence-based advice and support to policymakers across Scotland.

Our members come from across the physics community whether in industry, academia, the classroom, technician roles or in training programmes as an apprentice or a student. However our reach goes well beyond our membership to all who have an interest in physics and the contribution it makes to our culture, our society and the economy.”

You can find out more about the IOP including their LimitLess campaign to support young people to change the world through physics:

Resources

More information about research conducted at the Institute for Gravitational Waves, University of Glasgow