Gravity | Physics at the end of the universe | Timekeeping | Reality+: From the Matrix to the Metaverse

The new 2022 Big Thinkers Series

THURSDAY 31 MARCH 2022 | 6-7pm BST | 1-2pm EDT | ON-DEMAND   Gravity is the familiar force that keeps our feet firmly on the ground - and explains the orbits of the planets in the solar system and the whole structure of our universe, too. That much we know, but there’s much about gravity that remains a mystery. In this talk, Professor Claudia de Rham will explore how much we actually know about this most fundamental of phenomena - and how much more is left to uncover. FIND OUT MORE | REGISTER NOW ALSO IN THE 2022 BIG THINKERS SERIES  The 2022 Big Thinkers series from New Scientist events features eight online talks throughout the year from world-class science speakers and experts. Save 33% off the standard ticket price by purchasing a subscription to all 8 online talks to hear from the finest minds in science. Included in the series:  PHYSICS AT THE END OF THE UNIVERSE THURSDAY 28 APRIL | 6pm BST | 1pm EDT The big bang theory tells the story of our expanding, cooling universe from (almost) the beginning 13.8 billion years ago right up to the present day. But how does that story end? From big freeze to big crunch, join Katie Mack as she shares what modern cosmology tells us about the options for the end of all things. FIND OUT MORE A BRIEF HISTORY OF TIMEKEEPING THURSDAY 12 MAY | 6pm BST | 1pm EDT Chad Orzel, the internationally bestselling author of How to Teach Quantum Physics to Your Dog, will take you on a journey through scientific theory and quirky historical detail to reveal the physics that makes time something we can set, measure and know. From Stonehenge to atomic clocks, Chad will present the 5,000-year history of how science is used to mark time and he'll consider how the physicists and astronomers of today will continue to try to find new ways of measuring tomorrow. FIND OUT MORE REALITY+ FROM THE MATRIX TO THE METAVERSE AVAILABLE ON-DEMAND NOW Virtual reality technology is advancing fast. Many predict that a virtual-reality “metaverse” will be the next stage of the internet, and that we may eventually have complete simulated universes as in The Matrix films. Some even contend we live in such a world already.  In this talk, philosopher David Chalmers looks at these claims, and draws on science, technology and  science fiction as well as philosophy to argue that worlds generated by computers need not be fake or fictional realities.  They will no doubt bring many wonderful and terrible things, but they will offer the full range of the human condition – and the lives we live in them can be just as meaningful as in the real realities. FIND OUT MORE | REGISTER NOW Facebook Twitter Instagram This email has been sent to submitpostforlive@gmail.com UNSUBSCRIBE from the New Scientist Events emails   MANAGE YOUR ACCOUNT to select which emails you receive PRIVACY POLICY CONTACT US   Disclaimer This message is intended only for the use of the person(s) ("Intended Recipient") to whom it is addressed. It may contain information which is privileged and confidential. Accordingly any dissemination, distribution, copying or other use of this message or any of its content by any person other than the Intended Recipient may constitute a breach of civil or criminal law and is strictly prohibited. If you are not the Intended Recipient, please contact the sender as soon as possible.   We and our third party service providers may use cookies and other web technologies in conjunction with this email. These technologies are used to understand activity with this email and on certain portions of our website. This enables us to improve our site, your experience on our site, and the offerings that we may provide to you. If you do not want these technologies placed on your device, please opt-out of receiving emails from us. Copyright New Scientist Registered Office: New Scientist, Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, Kensington, London, W8 5TT Registered in England under Company No. 10644366 Australian mailing address: PO Box 2315, Strawberry Hills, NSW 2012, Australia Registered in Australia under ABN 22 621 413 170