Bryan Gaensler, Dunlap Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics

Showings

Mike Lazaridis Theatre of Ideas Wed, Feb 5, 2020 7:00 PM

Description

PI Public Lecture Series:

Title: Warp Drive and Aliens: The Scientific Perspective

 
Abstract:

Science fiction and science both inspire wonder and awe, albeit in very different ways. At its best, science fiction asks profound questions about the human condition. In contrast, science asks - and often answers - even more profound questions about the very nature of matter, space, and time. Both science fiction and science fact explore the concept of journeying to other stars and finding life on other worlds. When it comes to interstellar travel, the truth may soon become stranger (and more amazing) than fiction.

In his February 5 public lecture, Bryan Gaensler will provide an overview of the latest thinking on interstellar travel and on the search for alien life. Gaensler, Director of the Dunlap Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics at the University of Toronto, believes the frontiers of current research may be more exciting and visionary than any fictional stories we can imagine.


Attendance to the lecture is free, but advance tickets are required. Our lectures consistently sell out. As a courtesy to those on our waiting list, your ticket will be honoured until 6:45 PM only. If you have not arrived by 6:45 PM your reservation will be filled by another guest, and you will be asked to join the end of the waiting line.


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Pre-Lecture Activities
Doors open at 5:30 PM for the following pre-lecture activities. Tickets are not required to participate.

  • Ask a Scientist!
    Perimeter scientists will be on hand to answer physics questions from 5:30 - 6:30 PM.
  • Black Hole Bistro (dinner and/or drinks)
    Reservations are required for food service in the Black Hole Bistro and can be made at bistro@pitp.ca. Dinner reservations will be scheduled between 5 and 6 PM for those with tickets, and later for those watching the lecture in the Bistro.

Waiting Line
On the night of the lecture, there will be a waiting line at Perimeter for last minute cancelled tickets. Come to Perimeter after 5:30 PM and pick up a waiting line chit from the ticket table. While you wait, participate in pre-lecture activities. An announcement will be made in the Bistro at 6:45 PM if theatre seats are available. Note: You must arrive in person to be part of the waiting line, and be in the Bistro when the announcement is made.

No Disappointments
Everyone who comes to Perimeter will be able to enjoy this lecture. If you do not manage to obtain a theatre ticket, you can join our waiting line and either watch live from the quiet of the Time Room, or the licensed comfort of the Black Hole Bistro.

Live Webcast

All of our lectures are streamed live. You can watch the live stream of this lecture here, or watch the recordings at your leisure on our YouTube Channel.