February 3, 2017 7-9PM

Event Type: Lecture and Stargazing
Title: The Science of Star Trek
Lecturer: Mike Wong
Position: Graduate Student, Planetary Science
Institution: Caltech
Abstract:
Boldly go where no Astro Public Lecture has gone before and examine the real science behind Star Trek! From the Drake equation in Star Trek's original 1964 outline to Titan's haze obscuring the Enterprise in the 2009 reboot, we'll look at examples of how true scientific facts underpin the legendary sci-fi franchise's 50-year history. Ever wished you could explore strange new worlds and seek out new life and new civilizations? No need to wait until the 23rd century--we'll see how scientists are using cutting-edge telescopes and space vehicles to answer those questions today.