2016

Multiple lines of astronomical evidence demonstrate the existence of dark matter and dark energy — mysterious stuff whose gravity holds galaxies together and drives the accelerated expansion of the universe. Precision measurements in physics are suitable for searching for ultralight dark-sector candidates.

Dr. Holger Müller, Professor of Physics, UC Berkeley. Awarded his first patent at the age of 14, Holger continues his inventive spirit as a physicist applying matter-wave interferometry to fundamental and exotic physics.

NASA’s new program, “Ocean Worlds,” focuses on the many oceans in the moons of the outer Solar System. Enceladus, Europa, and Titan are of particular interest. Where do we look, and how do we search for evidence of life?

Dr. Chris McKay, Planetary Scientist, NASA Ames Research Center, studying planetary atmospheres, astrobiology, and terraforming.

Did you know that black holes can blow bubbles? Join us on a fascinating journey through the Universe where you will learn about the intimate connection between the intergalactic gas, the birth and death of stars and galaxies, and the growth of supermassive black holes in the centers of galaxy clusters.

Dr. Norbert Werner, Astrophysicist, Kavli Institute, Stanford. Using mainly space observatories, but also ground based and airborne telescopes, he studies the hottest places and the most energetic phenomena in the Universe.

Dr. Cabrol will discuss the current scientific revolution in astrobiology, with the latest updates from current missions, the existing plans for new ones, and where we stand on our quest to understanding habitability and finding life beyond Earth.

Dr. Nathalie Cabrol, Director, Carl Sagan Center, SETI Institute. She spearheads a new multidisciplinary roadmap to bridge astrobiology and SETI. She has a background in planetary and environmental sciences, and astrobiology.

MOVIE NIGHT: Screening of the 1984 classic science fiction film

The thrilling sequel to Stanley Kubrick’s 1968 sci-fi masterpiece, 2001: A Space Odyssey, based on Arthur C. Clarke’s Novel 2010: Odyssey Two. Directed by Peter Hyams, starring Roy Scheider as an American astronaut sent on a joint U.S.-Soviet space mission to Jupiter in an effort to find out what happened to the missing crew of the original Jupiter mission. Co-starring Helen Mirren and John Lithgow. Post-screening discussion moderator will be Tucker Hiatt of Wonderfest.

To measure distances to far-away galaxies, astronomers make use of what are called “standard candles,” objects whose true brightness can be calibrated accurately. Professor Huang will discuss Type Ia supernovae, the most powerful of all standard candles, including how to make them an even more useful tool for understanding the evolution of the cosmos.

Dr. Xiaosheng Huang, Assistant Professor of Physics, University of SF. He studies High Redshift (Faraway) Type Ia Supernovae (SNe Ia), which allow empirical determination of the time variability of the properties of dark energy.

Multiple lines of astronomical evidence demonstrate the existence of dark matter and dark energy — mysterious stuff whose gravity holds galaxies together and drives the accelerated expansion of the universe. Precision measurements in physics are suitable for searching for ultralight dark-sector candidates.

Dr. Holger Müller, Professor of Physics, UC Berkeley. Awarded his first patent at the age of 14, Holger continues his inventive spirit as a physicist applying matter-wave interferometry to fundamental and exotic physics.

Dr. Shostak will discuss the scientific rationale behind the search for extraterrestrial intelligence and some of the recent discoveries in astrophysics that are informing and spurring the search. What would be the consequences of actually finding E.T.?

Dr. Seth Shostak, Senior Astronomer, SETI Institute. He’s co-authored a college textbook on astrobiology, and has written three trade books on SETI. In addition, he’s published more than 400 popular articles on science including regular contributions to NBC News MACH, gives many dozens of talks annually, and is the host of the SETI Institute’s weekly science radio show, “Big Picture Science.”