A witty journey through the scientific theory and quirky history of timekeeping

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THURSDAY 12 MAY 2022 | 6-7pm BST | 1-2pm EDT | ON-DEMAND   From Stonehenge to atomic clocks, here is the 5,000 year history of how science is used to mark time. Chad Orzel, the internationally bestselling author of How to Teach Quantum Physics to Your Dog, offers us a witty  journey through scientific theory and quirky historical detail to reveal the wondrous physics that makes time something we can set, measure and know. He’ll also consider the future of timekeeping, and how the physicists and astronomers of today continue to try to find new ways of measuring tomorrow, constantly redefining our own deep rooted preoccupation with time. FIND OUT MORE | REGISTER NOW SAVE 33% ON A BIG THINKERS SERIES TICKET 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:  FANTASTIC NUMBERS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM WITH TONY PADILLA  THURSDAY 23 JUNE | 6pm BST | 1pm EDT Tony Padilla, Professor of Physics, University of Nottingham FIND OUT MORE In this talk, leading theoretical physicist Tony Padilla takes us on an irreverent cosmic tour of the most extraordinary numbers in physics, using them to build a picture of how the universe works. Padilla demonstrates how these numbers, from Graham's number, the brazenly big to the suspiciously small, are the key to unlocking such mind-bending phenomena as black holes, the holographic truth and the problem of the cosmological constant. Combining cutting-edge science with an entertaining cosmic quest, Tony will present an electrifying, head-twisting guide to the most fundamental truths of the universe. THE ORIGIN OF THE UNIVERSE WITH WILL KINNEY  THURSDAY 14 JULY | 6pm BST | 1pm EDT In the beginning was the Big Bang: an unimaginably hot fire almost fourteen billion years ago in which the first elements were forged. The physical theory of the hot nascent universe—the Big Bang—was one of the most consequential developments in twentieth-century science. And yet it leaves many questions unanswered: Why is the universe so big? Why is it so old? What is the origin of structure in the cosmos? In this talk, physicist Will Kinney explains a more recent theory that may hold the answers to these questions and even explain the ultimate origins of the universe: cosmic inflation, before the primordial fire of the Big Bang. Will Kinney, Professor of Physics, University of Buffalo FIND OUT MORE PHYSICS AT THE END OF THE UNIVERSE WITH KATIE MACK AVAILABLE ON-DEMAND Katie Mack, Theoretical Astrophysicist, North Carolina State University Join astrophysicist Katie Mack as she explains how new cutting-edge astronomical observations and particle experiments can tell us which way our cosmos, and everything in it, might reach its ultimate demise. She’ll reveal what the catastrophic destruction of all reality would look like to anyone still around to see it. FIND OUT MORE REALITY+ FROM THE MATRIX TO THE METAVERSE WITH DAVID CHALMERS AVAILABLE ON-DEMAND 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.  David Chalmers, Professor of Philosophy, New York University FIND OUT MORE WHAT WE DON'T KNOW ABOUT GRAVITY WITH CLAUDIA DE RHAM AVAILABLE ON-DEMAND Claudia de Rham, Professor of Physics, Imperial College London 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 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. 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