The Simons Foundation announced the launch of the Simons Collaboration on Black Holes and Strong Gravity, a multidisciplinary community exploring strong gravity in and beyond Albert Einstein’s theory of general relativity. The Center of Gravity, through its Director Vitor Cardoso, is one of the key pieces of the Collaborations. Through the collaboration, we will work to understand gravity in the most dynamic and violent astrophysical environments, when black holes collide, and gravity is dynamical and strongly nonlinear.

An exploratory retreat took place at the Crazy Horse Ranch, where the Principal Investigators discussed organizational and scientific activities. The fabulous ranch (courtesy of Niel Cornish, one of the Collaboration PIs and an amazing host) is located in Montana, and provided a stimulating environment for lively discussions, planning and interactions. Needless to say, the pool table was a must.