Mysteries of Modern Physics: TIME - Parts 13 and 14

Hello NYPGrs!

We're looking forward to seeing you virtually next Friday, October 9th at 6:30pm..sharp, if youn can! The general NYGP meeting adjourns at 9:00pm and then it's the virtual No Holds Bar for more informal chat from 9:15pm to closing at 11:00 pm.

So, at 6:30pm the meeting begins with a short preamble to welcome members, guests and presenters. Then we have our first presentation, New Science, always an informative surprise topic, after which we'll continue the well-received video series, Mysteries of Modern Physics: Time, with noted author and scientist, Professor Sean Carroll. The lectures draw on such ideas as black holes, cosmic inflation, and dark energy and also addresses a question that until recently was considered unanswerable: What happened before the big bang? And while the focus is on physics, Professor Carroll as well examines philosophical views on time, how we perceive and misperceive time, the workings of memory, and serious proposals for time travel.

Here's a brief description of Lectures 13 and 14:

13: Boltzmann Brains
One possible explanation for order in the universe is that it is a random fluctuation from a disordered state. Could the entire universe be one such fluctuation, now in the process of returning to disorder? Investigate a scenario called "Boltzmann brains" that suggests not.

14: Complexity and Life
Discover that Maxwell's demon from lecture 10 provides the key to understanding how complexity and life can exist in a universe in which entropy is increasing. Consider how life is not only compatible with, but is an outgrowth of, the second law of thermodynamics and the arrow of time.

After every presentation, there's a 15-20 minute Q&A ..
And for everyone who wants to participate, we raise our hand or show the virtual raised hand, wait our turn, and keep our questions/comments brief and related to the event topic.
Do avoid interrupting or dominating conversations. Being respectful and open-minded is very much appreciated by all.

BTW…why not stay on after the regular meeting that ends at 9pm, or as close thereafter, for the virtual No Holds Bar - open til 11pm for more informal chat!

Friendly reminder..The Zoom link for this meeting is visible on this event page, only to NYPG members who register (ATTEND).

Much appreciation goes to our NYPG Team!: Linda, for her monthly New Science; to Dan, NYPG Series Moderator, Larry for Short Takes, Aaron, our Nuclear Energy expert, our Guest Speakers, and the rest of the NYPG members for their presentations and support over the years and especially to our NYPG Founder, Mohsen! And..Thank you all NYPG Members for being there!

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About Connecting with Zoom:
Again: The Zoom link is visible on each current event’s announcement page, only after members register to attend.. That link will take you to NYPG’s Waiting Room. Come a few minutes early to get settled in. Plz wait there until we admit you to the meeting at 6:30 pm sharp.

Attendance limit is 50 with a waitlist..so if you’ve RSVPd and can’t make it after all, it will be appreciated if you can change your attendance accordingly.

Prior the meeting, new RSVPrs might want to familiarize themselves with Zoom at https://zoom.us/ . We recommend that you have the latest version of Zoom.

About the North York Physics Group (NYPG)
NYPG has been going for about 19 years with over 1,700 members.
Our presentations provide a venue for learning from members and guests academics and scientists. We also have video lectures covering on all aspects of Physics.

We encourage our members to submit presentations or help us find great Physics presenters, whether they be professional academics, post-grads, or just physics enthusiasts.

Within our meetings, each member gets to learn and discuss many aspects of Physics.
The only "formal" qualifications you need to join is a sincere personal desire and enthusiasm for Physics; to keep yourself informed and to courteously share your insights.

Code of Conduct
Attendees should basically keep in mind:

• Be respectful and open-minded.
• Avoid interrupting or dominating conversations.
• Be mindful of timing

In other words:
Respectful Behavior: Treat all participants with respect, valuing diverse views.
Inclusive Environment: Actively create a safe space for people from all backgrounds, particularly those in marginalized groups.

Event Etiquette:

• RSVP Policy: Inform organizers if you cannot attend, ideally 24 hours in advance.
• Venue Respect: For In-Person meetings, support the venue by purchasing items (drinks/ appetizers) and respecting staff.
• No Solicitation/Sales: Do not use events for unauthorized selling, recruiting, or pitching, unless permitted.
• Consequences: Misconduct may lead to warnings, muting, expulsion from the event, or permanent bans from the group.

Some NYPG History
Pre-pandemic, after the general meeting adjourned at 9:pm, there was the Afterwards..many of us would go a short distance outside to a local pub/restaurant for drinks, snacks, chatting, making new physics oriented friends, or comparing notes with our circle of very scientific friends! For now we hang out at the virtual “No Holds Bar”. Hope you can join us for that! Closing time is 11pm.

BTW: Some members have asked if we will be going back to in -person main meetings. That would be nice, but, many of our regular attendees are at too much of a distance, or prefer not traveling, so the virtual meetings work well. We are always looking into possible hybrid meetings, meaning an appropriate free, quiet meeting space where reliable internet service is a must. So far, we haven’t found such a location.

However, the good news is that we've had some great in-person social events for local NYPG members and we will continue to have more. Our last one was in September. The next one will in December..Date TBD!

Mohsen and I would again like to thank our Organizing Team: Linda, Dan, Larry and Aaron for their dedicated support of NYPG. Thank you TEAM!
Betty and Mohsen.