Andy Weir on “Artemis”
Programmer Andy Weir was unexpectedly thrust into science fiction stardom when his debut novel, The Martian, became a best-selling book turned Oscar-nominated blockbuster movie. With that success, Weir has been living out his dream of writing full time. Now, his second novel envisions the escapades of a smuggler living in Artemis, the first and only city on the Moon.
Andy Weir
In this collaboration between Wonderfest and the Commonwealth Club, Weir discusses how he combines his lifelong love of space, science, and humor—along with a healthy dose of research—to create compelling stories for both science and science fiction fans.
Andy Weir
WHAT: Andy Weir on "Artemis"
WHO: Andy Weir, author of "The Martian" and "Artemis"
WHERE: Schultz Cultural Hall, Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto 94303
WHEN: 2018-07-31 — 7:00pm, Tuesday, July 31, 2018
HOW: Use promo code WONDERFEST to purchase "Member" discount tickets at this Commonwealth Club website.
Quantum Computers: Now & Soon
In recent years, there has been a dramatic worldwide increase in scientific research toward — as well as financial investment in — the development of a quantum computer: a computational machine whose inner workings are governed by the laws of quantum mechanics. These tremendous efforts are motivated, in part, by the promise that quantum computers can perform tasks unthinkable for a classical computer. For example, to factor a 300 digit number on a 1-THz quantum computer would take approximately 1 second. The same task on a 1-THz classical computer would take nearly 150,000 years!
UC Berkeley physicist Norman Yao will present a broad overview of current efforts toward building a quantum computer. Then, he will give a vision for the first types of algorithms and simulations that might naturally be performed on a near-term quantum computer.
Dr. Norman Yao
WHAT: Quantum Computers: Where We Are & Where We're Headed
WHO: Dr. Norman Yao, Assistant Professor of Physics, UC Berkeley
WHERE: Alameda Free Library, 1550 Oak Street, Alameda, CA 94501
WHEN: 2018-07-29 — 2:00pm, Sunday, July 29, 2018
HOW:
Thanks to the thoughtfulness of Wonderfest supporters, this event has no admission charge. If you, too, would like to support nonprofit Wonderfest, please use the "Tickets" box, below.
Musk vs. Zuck: Is AI a Threat?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has surpassed humans at Jeopardy and Go, and driverless cars are widely believed to be around the corner. News articles claim we’re on the brink of a "Singularity" where robots will steal 50% of our jobs. Are AI and Robots an existential threat to humans as Elon Musk warns? Or is Mark Zuckerberg right in stating that humans have many good years ahead?
Dr. Ken Goldberg
Drawing on his experience as a robotics and AI research expert, UC Berkeley's Ken Goldberg will explore the AI/Robotics issues in three parts: 1) What Isn’t New, 2) What Is New, and 3) How We Can Prepare. Ultimately, Goldberg will argue that new innovations tend to empower humans, not replace them, revealing the potential for new trends such as "Cloud Robotics" and "Multiplicity."
Dr. Ken Goldberg
WHAT: Musk vs. Zuck: Are AI and Robots a Threat ... or an Opportunity?
WHO: Dr. Ken Goldberg, Professor & Chair, Industrial Engineering & Operations Research, UC Berkeley
WHERE: HopMonk Tavern, 224 Vintage Way, Novato [http://www.hopmonk.com/novato/tasty-food/]
WHEN: 2018-07-23 — 7:00pm, Monday, July 23, 2018
HOW: This event is FREE. But what value does this knowledge have FOR YOU? Please use the "Tickets" box, below, to contribute to Wonderfest accordingly, ... and deduct it from your taxes!
Northern DeLights – May 19
The Northern Lights (aurora) can appear as a deep red glow here in California. In Alaska, it more often appears as a bright green band, glowing across the night sky. Scientists are still researching why these dynamic lights look the way they do. Come learn more about the underlying reasons for auroras, their connection to the activity on the Sun, and how photographers are helping us better understand the different ways these lights manifest ... and delight.
Dr. Laura Peticolas
Our speaker, physicist Laura Peticolas, is Scientist and Associate Director of Education & Outreach at Sonoma State University.
Dr. Laura Peticolas
WHAT: Northern DeLights: From Deep Red Glow to Shimmering Green Curtain
WHO: Dr. Laura Peticolas, Assoc. Director of Education & Outreach, Sonoma State Univ.
WHERE: Cushing "Mountain" Amphitheater, Pan Toll Road at Ridgecrest Blvd, Mt. Tamalpais State Park
Map: [http://goo.gl/maps/iRRFR]
Map: [http://goo.gl/maps/iRRFR]
WHEN: 2018-05-19 — 8:00pm, Saturday, May 19, 2018
HOW: Mt. Tamalpais State Park closes at sunset; on May 19th, that's ~ 8:15pm. Thereafter, vehicles will not be admitted. Please note these new rules:
- Vehicles can exit the Park until 10:30pm; after that, remaining vehicles may be cited.
- After sunset, vehicles lacking a dashboard Astro Program parking pass may be cited.
- Print a FREE Astro Program parking pass at this Eventbrite website.
Bring a flashlight and — even though mountaintop weather (above the fog) is often warmer than down at sea level — wear warm clothes in layers. If rain or wildfire threatens, call 415-455-5370 after 4pm on event day.