swimming through space

So I went to the Fish in the Pond — A String Theory Discussion Lecture at Claremont Museum of Art yesterday afternoon.

From their website:

Parallel universes, multiple realities, String Theory. What are they and how do they relate to an exhibition at an art museum? Dr. Vatche Sahakian, Professor of Physics (specializing in String Theory) from Harvey Mudd College in Claremont will try to make sense of it all in the context of the Museum’s current exhibition, Multiverse.

What was really interesting was the lecture was held in the gallery in which we were surrounded by art that was inspired by those topics. Some really fascinating interpretations indeed! The lecture was relatively basic, a lot of stuff he talks about was more in-depthly covered in A Brief History of Time or even The Universe on History Channel. So a lot of his babblings were a bit repetitive, yet I still sat engrossed the entire time with an unwavering smile upon my face. And to top it off the audience discussion at the end was fantastically enthralling. But, by far, the most exciting and interesting part was when our lecturer intermittently switched over from his PowerPoint to a beautiful 3D Space simulator! Now, I’ve used Google Sky and Stellarium for quite some time now. Each has its unique benefits and shortcomings. But this software, Celestia, was just amazingly beautiful. I suggest checking it out!!!

“Who are we? Where do we come from? Why are we this way and not some other? What does it mean to be human? Are we capable, if need be, of fundamental change, or do the dead hands of forgotten ancestors impel us in some direction, indiscriminately for good or ill, and beyond our control? Can we alter our character? Can we improve our societies? Can we leave our children a world better than the one that was left to us? Can we free them from the demons that torment us and haunt our civilization? In the long run, are we wise enough to know what changes to make? Can we be trusted with our own future?” —Dr. Carl Sagan

“There is a theory which states that if ever anybody discovers exactly what the Universe is for and why it is here, it will instantly disappear and be replaced by something even more bizarre and inexplicable. There is another theory which states that this has already happened.”

—Douglas Adams (The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy)

Current mood: astronomical
Currently listening: Original Pirate Material by The Streets