Join us for The Modern Origins Story - Science Talk

http://wonderfest.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/modern_orgin_story_wonderfest_elliot_quataert.jpg The scientific understanding of our origins began in earnest with Copernicus, Galileo, Darwin, and others, and has since evolved into a rich, detailed, and well-tested model. Direct observations of the infant universe now show that it was remarkably smooth compared to what we see around us today, with only tiny differences in its properties from one part to another. By contrast, in the present universe there are enormous differences in the properties of matter from one part to another: some regions host planets, stars, and galaxies (and even humans!) while others do not. In this talk, Prof. Quataert will describe how the universe evolved from its smooth beginnings to its current state, emphasizing how gravity reigns supreme and builds up the planets, stars, and galaxies required for biological evolution to proceed.

Our venue is as exciting as -- and a great deal more appetizing than -- our topic. Surrounded by a diverse and delightful convoy of food trucks, we will gather in the enclosed heart of Streat Food Park (http://somastreatfoodpark.com). http://wonderfest.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/StreatFoodPark.jpg

TITLE: The Modern Origins Story: From the Big Bang to Habitable Planets SPEAKER: Eliot Quataert (http://astro.berkeley.edu/people/faculty/quataert.html), Professor of Astronomy & Physics, UC Berkeley WHEN: 7:00 PM, Tuesday, May 14, 2013 WHERE: in the enclosed heart of SoMa StrEat Food Park, (http://somastreatfoodpark.com) 428 11th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103 HOW: A FREE joint production of Wonderfest and Ask a Scientist (http://www.askascientistsf.com/) (however, no free joints will be served) WHY: Because we're curious creatures ADMISSION: FREE! Please consider making a donation to Wonderfest (http://wonderfest.org/donate) to help us promote science. Even a modest gift will make more events like this possible.

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