The Most Famous Equation – Sep 16
Around the world, people recognize that E=mc^2 oozes cosmic insight. But what does this "most famous equation" really say? What are energy and mass? And what makes the speed of light, c, so important? [Hint: mass, moving at speed c, doesn't turn into energy!] Using little more than common experience and 9th-grade math, Einstein's "special relativity" gem can come to life — with surprising insights into the nature of reality.
Speaker Tucker Hiatt, founding director of Wonderfest, has taught physics for a looong time. In 2006, he won the Amgen Award for Science Teaching Excellence, and, from 2008 to 2014, he was a Visiting Scholar in the Stanford Chemistry Department.
Tucker Hiatt
This event is FREE. But please help nonprofit Wonderfest to spread the clear-eyed optimism of science by donating via the Eventbrite "Tickets" link, below.
Quantum Worlds II – Sep 14
Quantum mechanics, the physics of the very small, is the most accurate and far-reaching theory in science. (Bear in mind: theory is as good as it gets in science!) Still, physicists themselves admit that they don't fully understand the quantum world. Caltech physicist and New York Times best-selling author Sean Carroll suggests that we do have a very promising way to understand the mysteries of the quantum world ... of quantum worlds.
Sean M. Carroll is Professor of Physics at the California Institute of Technology. His most recent book is "Something Deeply Hidden: Quantum Worlds and the Emergence of Spacetime."
Dr. Sean Carroll
Produced in collaboration with the Commonwealth Club Silicon Valley. Use promo code WONDERFEST for a significant ticket discount via the "Tickets" link, below.
Quantum Worlds I – Sep 13
Quantum mechanics, the physics of the very small, is the most accurate and far-reaching theory in science. (Bear in mind: theory is as good as it gets in science!) Still, physicists themselves admit that they don't fully understand the quantum world. Caltech physicist and New York Times best-selling author Sean Carroll suggests that we do have a very promising way to understand the mysteries of the quantum world ... of quantum worlds.
Sean M. Carroll is Professor of Physics at the California Institute of Technology. His most recent book is "Something Deeply Hidden: Quantum Worlds and the Emergence of Spacetime."
Dr. Sean Carroll
Consider purchasing Prof. Carroll's new book at BookShop West Portal. Also, even though this event is admission-free, please help Wonderfest to share the clear-eyed optimism of science by contributing via the "Tickets" box, below.
MISSION: MARS – Sep 7
The first human mission to Mars will be our greatest adventure of the 21st-century. As with all expeditions, its success will depend on planning. The first steps are already under way: achieving longer spaceflight missions, planning for deep space journeys beyond the Moon, and exploring extreme terrestrial environments as Mars “analogs.” NASA'S Pascal Lee will discuss progress made around the world — from the Arctic to Antarctica, from basement labs to the International Space Station — to achieve the first human voyage to Mars. He will explore the what, why, how, when, and who of our first journey to the Red Planet.
Dr. Pascal Lee is a planetary scientist at the Mars Institute and at the SETI Institute. He also directs the Haughton-Mars Project at NASA Ames Research Center.
Dr. Pascal Lee
Map: [http://goo.gl/maps/iRRFR]
Mt. Tamalpais State Park closes at sunset; on September 7th, that's ~ 7:30pm. Only vehicles with an Astronomy Program parking pass will be admitted thereafter:
- Print a FREE Astro Program parking pass at this Eventbrite website.
- After sunset, vehicles lacking a parking pass may be cited.
- Vehicles can exit the Park until 10:30pm; after that, remaining vehicles may be cited.
This event is presented, admission-free, by Wonderfest, the Friends of Mount Tam, the San Francisco Amateur Astronomers, and Mt. Tamalpais State Park. Optional sky tour and telescope viewing will follow the lecture.
Bring a flashlight and — even though mountaintop weather (above the fog) can be warmer than down at sea level — wear warm clothes in layers. If rain or wildfire threatens, call 415-455-5370 after 3:30pm on event day to learn about event status.
Super-Massive Black Hole Pairs – Aug 21
The detection of gravitational waves from merging stellar-mass black holes has generated much excitement. We expect that similar events — but with black holes that are millions to billions of times heavier — can occasionally occur. Dr. Romani will describe observations of super-massive black hole "binaries." He will also discuss the search for such binaries that can eventually merge to produce the "loudest" signals in the universe — as the two super-massive black holes conclude their cosmic dance.
Our speaker, Roger Romani, is Professor of Physics at Stanford University.
Dr. Roger Romani
What is this admission-free experience worth to you? Accordingly, please use the Eventbrite "Tickets" box, below, to contribute to Wonderfest.
Quantum Materials – Aug 11
Humanity's quest to understand matter has led to society-shaping technological breakthroughs. For example, the solid-state transistor underlies virtually all of modern computation. In complex quantum systems, exotic properties emerge which do not simply follow from the physical laws governing individual particles. A classic example is the phenomenon of superconductivity, which took scientists nearly 50 years to explain. Beyond useful applications, the study of quantum mechanical properties of crystalline materials — i.e., “condensed matter physics" — is a rich playground for exploring nature's deepest laws.
Our speaker, Arielle Little, is a PhD candidate in the UC Berkeley Physics Department.
Arielle Little
This event has no admission fee. But what value will this science experience have for YOU? Please use the Eventbrite donation box, below, accordingly.
When Worlds Collide – Aug 10
Planet Earth is regularly being struck by interplanetary debris: fine dust, rocks, boulders (big enough to outshine the Sun as they streak through the atmosphere), asteroids, comets, and even small stray planets. Some of these collision events offer glorious night-time views; others can cause planetary annihilation. Infall of secondary debris ("shrapnel" from the original impact) can raise atmospheric temperatures by hundreds of degrees, globally.
Our speaker, Dr. Kevin Zahnle, is Planetary Scientist at NASA Ames Research Center.
Illustration (above) by Mark Garlick, Science Photo Library/Alamy
Dr. Kevin Zahnle
Map: [http://goo.gl/maps/iRRFR]
Mt. Tamalpais State Park closes at sunset; on August 10th, that's ~ 8:10pm. Only vehicles with an Astronomy Program parking pass will be admitted thereafter:
- Print a FREE Astro Program parking pass at this Eventbrite website.
- After sunset, vehicles lacking a parking pass may be cited.
- Vehicles can exit the Park until 10:30pm; after that, remaining vehicles may be cited.
This event is presented, admission-free, by Wonderfest, the Friends of Mount Tam, the San Francisco Amateur Astronomers, and Mt. Tamalpais State Park. Optional sky tour and telescope viewing will follow the lecture.
Bring a flashlight and — even though mountaintop weather (above the fog) can be warmer than down at sea level — wear warm clothes in layers. If rain or wildfire threatens, call 415-455-5370 after 3:30pm on event day to learn about event status.
Mind in Motion – Aug 1
Could movement, not language, be the foundation of thought? Pictures (including mental movies) are remembered far better than words. Both recognition and recall — of faces, scenes, and events — are utterly wordless processes, and much of our most abstract thinking is done without words. In her new book, Mind in Motion, psychologist Barbara Tversky discusses the mental primacy of bodily action. MIT's Steven Pinker says that Mind in Motion is "an intriguing exploration of the spatial thinking that is embedded in our reasoning, our language, and our culture."
Our speaker, Dr. Barbara Tversky, is Professor of Psychology & Education at Columbia, Professor Emerita of Psychology at Stanford, AND a celebrated founding advisor at Wonderfest.
Dr. Barbara Tversky
This event has no admission charge. But please help Wonderfest to share the scientific outlook via the Eventbrite "Tickets" box, below.
Neuroscience of Magic – July 31
From ancient conjurers to quick-handed con artists to Las Vegas illusionists, magicians throughout the ages have manipulated human attention and perception to dazzle and delight us. Both sensory and cognitive illusions are responsible for the “magic” of a magic trick. But how and why do these illusions work? Magician Robert Strong and neuroscientist Adam Gazzaley team up to demonstrate how magicians use our brains to accomplish the seemingly impossible. In the process, they explore what those magical methods and techniques can teach us about the brain.
Author and inventor Adam Gazzaley is Professor of Neurology at UC San Francisco. Comedy magician Robert Strong has been voted — three times — San Francisco's "Best Magician."
This event is co-produced with the Commonwealth Club Silicon Valley. Use promo code WONDERFEST at the Commonwealth Club link, below, to purchase DISCOUNT tickets.
Bacteria and Biomass – July 28
Bacteria are among the strangest and most diverse creatures on the planet. They exist everywhere — virtually defining Earth's biosphere — and they are enormously influential. If we humans learn to "communicate" properly with bacteria, we can move much of our industrial-era petroleum economy to biomass energy, even with carbon-negative results for the atmosphere.
Or speaker, Dr. Sarah Richardson, is co-founder of MicroByer, a Bay Area bioengineering firm. She earned her PhD in Human Genetics and Molecular Biology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
Dr. Sarah Richardson
This event is produced by the San Francisco Public Library.
Mind in Motion – July 24
Could movement, not language, be the foundation of thought? Pictures (including mental movies) are remembered far better than words. Both recognition and recall — of faces, scenes, and events — are utterly wordless processes, and much of our most abstract thinking is done without words. In her new book, Mind in Motion, psychologist Barbara Tversky discusses the mental primacy of bodily action. MIT's Steven Pinker says that Mind in Motion is "an intriguing exploration of the spatial thinking that is embedded in our reasoning, our language, and our culture."
Speaker Dr. Barbara Tversky is Professor of Psychology & Education at Columbia, Professor Emerita of Psychology at Stanford, AND a celebrated founding advisor at Wonderfest.
Dr. Barbara Tversky
This event has no admission charge. But please help Wonderfest to share the scientific outlook via the Eventbrite "Tickets" box, below.
Healthy Aging – July 22
We are living longer, but are we healthier? Research has shown the clear benefits of exercise for lifespan and healthspan. But what about the proliferation of fad diets, supplements, devices, and other ‘miracle’ cures? In this talk, Dr. Tranah will highlight the latest robust discoveries in human aging. He will challenge long-lasting dogma about the benefits of certain supplements and about behavioral recommendations based on wearable technology.
Gregory Tranah, PhD, is Executive Director of Precision Medicine at Sutter Health. He is also Adjunct Professor in the Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics at UCSF.
Dr. Gregory Tranah
Why not support Wonderfest in accord with this FREE event's value to YOU? Please help share the clear-eyed optimism of science via the Eventbrite "Tickets" box, below.
Saturn Spectacular – July 13
The Cassini space probe’s 13-year exploration of Saturn stands as the most successful interplanetary mission in NASA history. Its "Grand Finale” (with dives off the outer ring edge, and between inner rings & cloud tops) culminated with a death-plunge into Saturn’s depths. Insights earned during these maneuvers bring Saturn's complex glory into focus as never before.
Our speaker, Dr. Matthew Tiscareno, is Senior Research Scientist at the SETI Institute's Carl Sagan Center for the Study of Life in the Universe.
Dr. Matt Tiscareno
Map: [http://goo.gl/maps/iRRFR]
Mt. Tamalpais State Park closes at sunset; on July 13th, that's ~ 8:30pm. Only vehicles with an Astronomy Program parking pass will be admitted thereafter:
- Print a FREE Astro Program parking pass at this Eventbrite website.
- After sunset, vehicles lacking a parking pass may be cited.
- Vehicles can exit the Park until 10:30pm; after that, remaining vehicles may be cited.
This event is presented, admission-free, by Wonderfest, the Friends of Mount Tam, the San Francisco Amateur Astronomers, and Mt. Tamalpais State Park. Optional sky tour and telescope viewing will follow the lecture.
Bring a flashlight and — even though mountaintop weather (above the fog) can be warmer than down at sea level — wear warm clothes in layers. If rain or wildfire threatens, call 415-455-5370 after 3:30pm on event day to learn about event status.
Spiders & Spider-Man – July 2
We humans have formally identified some 50,000 spider species, ranging in size from sandgrain to small skateboard. Spiders breathe air, have four pairs of eyes, and spin silk that is stronger (pound for pound) than steel. For 20-30 minutes following a special screening of the just-released Spider-Man: Far From Home, Wonderfest "Cinema Science" presents REAL spidey insights plus audience Q&A with Dr. Jack Fraser, arachnophile extraordinaire.
Jack Fraser, PhD (entomology, UC Berkeley), is past president of the Northern California Spider Society. He has conducted spider seminars at Point Reyes and at East Bay Regional Parks. This true spider-man cannot (yet) shoot spider silk.
Dr. Jack Fraser
SF in SF (Science Fiction. San Francisco. A Perfect Fit.) [http://www.sfinsf.org]
Wonderfest's Cinema Science events are co-produced with SF in SF at the historic Balboa Theater. To enjoy Dr. Fraser's presentation after the movie, purchase tickets only for the 6pm showing on July 2nd. Purchase a Balboa ticket for the movie, and the science comes along for FREE.
Animal Intelligence – June 27
Human beings tend to prefer cross-species measurements that put us at the top of the scale. Intelligence is one such measure. Are humans really the most intelligent creatures on the planet? Should this be obvious given our problem-solving ability and big brains? This presentation will look at some examples of animal intelligence, explore language studies in animals, and attempt to place human intelligence within our own environmental context.
Our speaker, Julie Hui, is a PhD candidate studying the evolution of cooperation in the Anthropology Department at UC Berkeley. Julie has honed her science communication skills as a Wonderfest Science Envoy.
Julie Hui
This event is FREE. Still, what value does this knowledge have FOR YOU? Please contribute to Wonderfest accordingly via the "Tickets" box, below.
Tectonic Problems – June 17
What is going on with the huge pieces — plates — that constitute Earth’s crust? Plate tectonics is ultimately responsible for the earth’s highest mountains and deepest oceans, also for most earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions. It was first proposed in the mid 1960s, after the discovery of DNA, and after the first human spaceflight. Even today, what drives the motion of the plates remains a mystery. What do we know and not know about the forces at work behind plate tectonics?
Our speaker, William Hawley, is a National Science Foundation postdoctoral scholar at Columbia University. He is also a Wonderfest Science Envoy.
William Hawley
Please help Wonderfest to present more FREE events like this — oozing with the insight and optimism of science — via the Eventbrite "Tickets" box, below.
How To Be More Uncertain – June 16
Humans love certainty, intuitive explanations, and discovering patterns. Yet our world is complicated and filled with randomness. Statistical thinking provides us with practical tools for making sense of an uncertain world. It can lead us to make surprising conclusions from the data of everyday life. And it also teaches us humility in the face of uncertainty.
Our speaker, Dr. Jacob Bien, is Associate Professor of Statistics at the University of Southern California. He is also a founding member of Wonderfest's Board of Directors.
Dr. Jacob Bien
Odds are ... that you will love this FREE event! Therefore, please use the "Tickets" box, below, to support nonprofit Wonderfest in accord with the value this experience has FOR YOU.
Gravitational Lensing – ***CANCELLED***
DUE TO A "RED FLAG FIRE WARNING," MT. TAMALPAIS STATE PARK IS CLOSED ALL WEEKEND. THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED.
100 years ago, Einstein predicted that light rays would curve from their straight-line paths in the space near massive objects, as if being bent by a lens. Today, astronomers use this fact to weigh galaxies, discover planets around other stars, and ‘see’ invisible black holes. How did this idea of gravitational lensing come about, and how do we use it today to probe astrophysical mysteries?
Our speaker, Fatima Abdurrahman, is a PhD candidate in the Astronomy Department at UC Berkeley. She is also a Wonderfest Science Envoy.
Fatima Abdurrahman
Map: [http://goo.gl/maps/iRRFR]
Mt. Tamalpais State Park closes at sunset; on June 8th, that's ~ 8:30pm. Only vehicles with an Astronomy Program parking pass will be admitted thereafter:
- Print a FREE Astro Program parking pass at this Eventbrite website.
- After sunset, vehicles lacking a parking pass may be cited.
- Vehicles can exit the Park until 10:30pm; after that, remaining vehicles may be cited.
This event is presented, admission-free, by Wonderfest, the Friends of Mount Tam, the San Francisco Amateur Astronomers, and Mt. Tamalpais State Park. Optional sky tour and telescope viewing will follow the lecture.
Bring a flashlight and — even though mountaintop weather (above the fog) can be warmer than down at sea level — wear warm clothes in layers. If rain or wildfire threatens, call 415-455-5370 after 3:30pm on event day to learn about event status.
Making & Mythbusting – May 29
Adam Savage is a maker. From his elaborate Comic-Con costumes to a 1,000-shot Nerf gun, he has built thousands of projects as a special effects artist and co-host of the hit TV show MythBusters. Savage will highlight some of his memorable ideas, and will share what inspires him to build, make, invent, explore, and, above all else, create.
Adam Savage spent 14 years as the popular co-host of "MythBusters." He currently stars on Tested.com’s YouTube channel and is the host of “MythBusters Jr.”
Commonwealth Club Silicon Valley
Enter promo code WONDERFEST when purchasing DISCOUNT tickets at the Commonwealth Club link below.
Vision; Evolution – May 28
Wonderfest Science Envoys are early-career researchers with special communication skills and aspirations. Following short talks on provocative modern science topics, these two Science Envoys will answer questions with insight and enthusiasm:
- UC Berkeley neuroscientist Malak El-Quessny, in "Visualizing Neural Circuits: From Detection to Perception of our Sensory World," explores how neural circuits facilitate the stream of information that constitutes "seeing."
- UC Berkeley physicist QinQin Yu, in "Using Bacteria to Understand Evolution in Space and Time," shows how mathematical models help us to predict such phenomena as bacterial resistance, species extinction, and cancer tumor growth.
This event is FREE. Still, what value does this knowledge have FOR YOU? Please contribute to Wonderfest accordingly, and help to promote the scientific outlook — as through this outstanding Science Envoy Program — via the "Tickets" box, below.