Abstract: 

Recent novel data channels have been instrumental in exploring various predictions of Einstein's general relativity. From the direct detection of gravitational waves to imaging supermassive black holes, these groundbreaking observations have shed light on the behavior of spacetime under extreme conditions, confirmed core predictions of the theory, and opened up new frontiers that bridge fundamental physics and astrophysics. Our ability to learn about the underlying physics depends heavily on our understanding of the gravity theory that describes the geometry around these compact objects and for the electromagnetic observations, also on the complex astrophysics that produces the observed radiation. In this talk, I will discuss our upcoming capability to study general relativity in the strong gravity regime using (i) the electromagnetic radiation from a black hole's accretion disk and (ii) the gravitational radiation when a small compact object falls into a supermassive one. Emphasizing the significance of multi-messenger approaches across diverse astrophysical systems, I will highlight their pivotal role in unraveling new physics. 

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**Refreshments will be served in the Olin lobby beginning at 3:30pm.