Probing gravitational horizons with astronomical observation

A key challenge in combining our understanding of Gravity (given by classical General Relativity or GR) with Quantum Mechanics is in deriving the meaning of discrete symmetries. Of particular interest are discrete-time (T) and parity (P) or mirror transformations. For fields with charge (C), we also have C transformations.

In classical GR time reversal presents us with some puzzles to understand observed Black Holes and cosmic microwave background. Especially when we address quantum effects, such as Hawking radiation and primordial quantum fluctuations.

Furthermore, to explain the existence of matter (over anti-matter) in the universe today we need to understand CPT violation. Observationally, Large-scale cosmic maps can be used to learn about such discrete symmetries.

This project will look for parity violations in wide Cosmic CMB and Galaxy Maps and investigate how those measurements relate to our understanding of quantum fields in curved spacetimes.

We also aim to look for such parity violation signals in astrophysical observations of Black Hole Horizons and Black Hole interactions with matter and with other Black Holes.