A Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Solar System | Weds 18th October, with Dr Stuart Eves

On Wednesday 18th October PubSci is delighted to welcome Astrophysicist and Satellite engineer, Dr Stuart Eves, to take us on a guided tour through the wonders of the Solar System.

The eight planets lined up to compare their sizes

The eight planets and their moons (Sizes are to scale, interplanetary distances aren’t!). Courtesy of CactiStaccingCrane.

• • •

If you thought Earth was the only body in our solar system worth visiting, think again!

Join Stuart Eves for an interplanetary travellers’ guide to some of the most fascinating, beautiful, and compelling sights any tourist could wish to see in the vicinity of our star.

The colourful surface of Jupiter's Moon Io is covered with volcanoes

Jupiter’s Moon Io (NASA/JPL/UoArizona)

From the first Soviet lunar probe, Luna 1, through NASA’s Mariner and Voyager missions, to the international James Webb Space Telescope, humans have been imaging the planetary bodies of our solar system and their moons in ever-increasing detail.

But if you could hitch a ride on this space hardware, what would you see?

Instead of the barren bodies we once supposed, objects in our solar system have revealed themselves to possess stunning features reminiscent of those that make our home planet so beautiful and awe inspiring, only far, far larger: volcanoes, dust devils, geysers, liquid and frozen oceans, unexpected seasonal features… perhaps evidence of life too.

Even little Pluto turns out to be more interesting than anybody thought possible.

__

Join us upstairs at the Old King’s Head, near London Bridge station. Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7pm start. The Old King’s Head has a happy hour before 7pm, and the kitchen serves excellent pub grub.

We use Eventbrite ticketing. Reserve your place now! PubSci is free to attend but please consider making a donation with your reservation to help cover costs.

__

A photograph of Stuart Eves

Dr Stuart Eves

Dr Stuart Eves has an MSc in Astrophysics and a PhD in satellite constellation design. He has more than 30 years of experience in satellite systems and is a Fellow of both the Royal Astronomical Society and the British Interplanetary Society. In 2018 he founded his own space consultancy, SJE Space Ltd, following 16 years with the MoD and 14 years with Surrey Satellite Technology Limited.

His 2017 book “Space Traffic Control” is the standard text on protecting satellites from natural hazards and man-made threats. He serves on the Advisory Panel for the ESA Space Safety Programme, and is a founder of the GNOSIS network on sustainability in space.

Stuart is passionate about sharing his love of space. He “moonlights” as a GCSE Astronomy teacher and speaks to adults at U3A and Café Scientifique. His outreach work has been rewarded with the Arthur Clarke Award and his satellite technology has been displayed in the Science Museum. He has spoken at the Royal Institution on numerous occasions.

Don’t miss the chance to join Stuart at PubSci this October for a tour through some of the most beautiful, fascinating, and intriguing features of our own Solar System.

Graphic of the solar system produced by the European Space Agency

The Solar System (Credit: ESA)

• • •

Please support PubSci.

There is no charge for attending PubSci talks, but we have a whip-round to cover expenses. Because so few of us carry cash these days, you can contribute digitally too  by putting a few quid in the virtual whip-round. Please help PubSci continue to put on events.

We aim to keep PubSci accessible for all, although it is unsuitable for under 18s as we meet in the function room of  a pub. Regrettably, there is no wheelchair access. 

Please check our Future Events page where you can also subscribe to our iCal feed.  You can find all our links on our LinkTree.

__

We used to meet on the first Wednesday of the month but PubSci is now on the third Wednesday.

image-third-wednesdays

Address:

The Old King’s Head (upstairs room)
King’s Head Yard
45-49 Borough High Street
London SE1 1NA

PubSci this Wednesday: The Weird and Wonderful World of Eels | Dr Michal Williamson of ZSL Institue of Zoology

The common European eel (Wikimedia Commons)

Weds 20th September | The Weird and Wonderful World of Eels

Follow the link for details. Book for free/donation via eventbrite

Weds 20th September | The Weird and Wonderful World of Eels

[Booking via eventbrite. Free to attend but donations to running costs are greatly appreciated]

Eels! Where do they breed? What was ‘eel rent’? And where have all the eels gone?

On Wednesday 20th September PubSci is delighted to welcome Dr Michael Williamson of ZSL Institute of Zoology to talk about the weird and wonderful world of eels.

A 1911 picture of an eel

The common European eel (Wikimedia Commons)

Eels are one of the UK’s most mysterious native fish species, so much so that a rich cultural folklore surrounds them. The Mighty Boosh even sang about them.

Eels were once so common that taxes were sometimes paid by the 10,000 eels but a recent environmental DNA survey found absolutely no trace of them in the Somerset Levels – a landscape once famous for eels. So what is going on?

In this talk, Mike will discuss the history of eels in human culture, their bizarre – and still mysterious – lifecycle and migration habits, and the enormous threat that now faces this most curious of fish. He’ll even address a question we’ve all wanted to ask but were too shy to say out loud… “Are eels better than whales?”

Once again, we’re using Eventbrite booking – please follow this link to reserve your spot.

• • •

Mike Williamson is a Post-Doctoral Research Associate at the Institute of Zoology, the research division of the Zoological Society of London (the global conservation organisation best known to children as Regents Park Zoo). He works at the interface of conservation, climate change and biodiversity, seeking to minimise the impact human-activity has on the natural world.

Michael uses tagging technology and remote sensing to investigate the movements and migrations of marine and freshwater fauna, exploring how this is influenced by environmental drivers, anthropogenic disturbance and climate change. He has tagged whales, tracked sharks and is currently knee-deep in eels.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear what he has to say. Booking via Eventbrite is now live!

__

Eels being handled by a biologist

Photo: Michael Williamson

PubSci is grateful to Mike for stepping in at short notice. Erica McAlister’s talk will now take place next year.

Join us upstairs at the Old King’s Head, near London Bridge station. Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7pm start. The Old King’s Head has a happy hour before 7pm, and the kitchen serves excellent pub grub.

• • •

Please support PubSci.

There is no charge for attending PubSci talks, but we have a whip-round to cover expenses. Because so few of us carry cash these days, you can contribute digitally too. Please help PubSci continue to put on events.

We aim to keep PubSci accessible for all, although it is unsuitable for under 18s as we meet in the function room of  a pub. Regrettably, there is no wheelchair access. 

Please check our Future Events page where you can also subscribe to our iCal feed.  You can find all our links on our LinkTree.

__

We used to meet on the first Wednesday of the month but PubSci is now on the third Wednesday.

image-third-wednesdays

Address:

The Old King’s Head (upstairs room)
King’s Head Yard
45-49 Borough High Street
London SE1 1NA

Weds 20th September | The Weird and Wonderful World of Eels! (Dr Mike Williamson)

[Free to attend but donations to running costs are greatly appreciated]

In a change to the published schedule, PubSci is delighted to welcome Dr Michael Williamson of ZSL Institute of Zoology on Wednesday 20th September.

A recent survey of environmental DNA in the Somerset Levels found absolutely no trace of eels in a landscape once famous for its eel population. In this talk, Mike will discuss the history of eels in human culture, their bizarre – and still mysterious – lifecycle and migration habits, and the enormous threat that now faces this most curious of fish.

Michael Williamson works at the interface of conservation, climate change and biodiversity, seeking ways to minimise the impact human activity has on the natural world. He has tagged whales, tracked shark migrations and is currently knee-deep in eels. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear what he has to say.

Put the date in your diary! Full details will be published here soon

• • •

Join us upstairs at the Old King’s Head, near London Bridge station. Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7pm start. The Old King’s Head has a happy hour before 7pm, and the kitchen serves excellent pub grub.

PubSci is grateful to Mike for stepping in at short notice. Erica McAlister has had to reschedule her talk due to work commitments and we look forward to hosting her at PubSci next year.

• • •

Please support PubSci.

There is no charge for attending PubSci talks, but we have a whip-round to cover expenses. Because so few of us carry cash these days, you can contribute digitally too. Please help PubSci continue to put on events.

We aim to keep PubSci accessible for all, although it is unsuitable for under 18s as we meet in the function room of  a pub. Regrettably, there is no wheelchair access. 

Please check our Future Events page where you can also subscribe to our iCal feed.  You can find all our links on our LinkTree.

__

We used to meet on the first Wednesday of the month but PubSci is now on the third Wednesday.

image-third-wednesdays

Address:

The Old King’s Head (upstairs room)
King’s Head Yard
45-49 Borough High Street
London SE1 1NA

>> Stop Press! August PubSci… is in August <<

A superluminal neutrino glitch* has occurred at PubSci Towers, resulting in today’s blog post giving the impression that August’s PubSci would take place on 19th July.

This is, of course, impossible as it would require faster-than-light travel to achieve (an idea so proposterous that the infinite monkey typing pool spontaneously all produced “Hahahahaha!” on their keyboards).

James Riordon will, quite naturally, be speaking at PubSci on 16th August 2023. As if further proof were needed, you can read the corrected blog post here.

It’s going to be another popular one, especially as James will be addressing the world-famous Royal Institution the following evening. To ensure you catch him at PubSci first, please book your place via Eventbrite. PubSci is always free to attend, but we can only run events with your support.

We suspect it’s no coincidence this late-night measurement error occurred while writing about James’ talk. Neutrinos were reported to have travelled faster than light in the OPERA experiment in 2011. It was later established that a loose cable was responsible for this anomaly – which is pretty much how I came to leave last month’s date in this month’s blog post!

Hope to see you on the 16th August

Richard

typing-monkeytyping-monkeytyping-monkeytyping-monkeytyping-monkeytyping-monkeytyping-monkeytyping-monkey

*  Superluminal Neutrino Glitch fills the whole B-side of PubSci’s forthcoming prog rock concept album, Parity Symmetry Breakdown, played entirely on Theremin and cowbell.

16th August | James Riordon: “Ghost Particle – How Neutrinos Could Answer The Biggest Question in the Universe”

On Wednesday 16th August PubSci is excited to welcome the celebrated US science writer James Riordon to lead us through the search for the so-called Ghost Particle of physics: the elusive neutrino.

[Eventbrite registration required. Free to attend but donations are very welcome.]

71WGiDIfjWLNeutrinos are the second most abundant particles in the universe, and hundreds of trillions of them stream through your body every second, but you can’t feel them at all. Atomic nuclei produce neutrinos whenever they come together or break apart – even bananas emit them – yet these amazing particles have proved incredibly difficult to detect.

Book jacket of Ghost Particle

At August’s PubSci, James will take us on an extraordinary journey from the heart of the sun to the cold Antarctic ice, and into the universe beyond, as we explore everything from the Big Bang to dark matter, and ask whether neutrinos could even be the reason there is anything in the universe at all.

His newly published book will be available after the talk.

Join us upstairs at the Old King’s Head near London Bridge station. Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7pm start. The Old King’s Head has a happy hour before 7pm, and the kitchen serves excellent pub grub.

We anticipate a large turnout for this event and are using Eventbrite to manage numbers. Please reserve your spot ASAP to avoid disappointment.

• • •

j_riordon_revJames Riordon has written for Science NewsScientific AmericanQuanta MagazineNew ScientistPopular Science, The Washington PostPhysics Today, and Analytical Chemistry. In his spare time, James goes in search of abandoned and decrepit science laboratories (sometimes with his friend Michael Lucibella).

Some of those explorations contributed to research for the book Ghost Particle: In Search of the Elusive and Mysterious Neutrino (MIT Press/Random House, 2023), which he wrote with physicist Alan Chodos, and others will embellish his next book, Crush: A Quest to Uncover the Mysteries of Gravity, due out from MIT Press/Penguin Random House in 2024.

When he’s not skulking about in old labs, James lives in Clarksville, Maryland with his science writer spouse Martha Heil, two daughters, and numerous family dogs, cats, and snakes. 

• • •

Support PubSci.

There is no charge for attending PubSci talks, but we have a whip-round to cover expenses. Because so few of us carry cash these days, you can contribute digitally too. Please help PubSci continue to put on events.

We aim to keep PubSci accessible for all, although it is unsuitable for under 18s as we meet in the function room of  a pub. Regrettably, there is no wheelchair access. 

Please check our Future Events page where you can also subscribe to our iCal feed. You can find all our links on our LinkTree.

__

image-third-wednesdays

Address:

The Old King’s Head (upstairs room)
King’s Head Yard
45-49 Borough High Street
London SE1 1NA

Reminder for PubSci, Weds 19th July

Can humans sense underground water, dream the future, attract metal objects to their bodies, as some believe…? What does science have to say about such claims of extraordinary abilities?

Two men with metal forks and spoons apparently stuck to their bodies
‘Human magnets’ in Vietnam compete to stick metal items to their bodies. (Image © Ryan Hinkson)

This month, PubSci is delighted to welcome the wonderful Professor Chris French.

His day job is exploring psychological explanations for the experiences that people report as paranormal , and Chris is the absolute expert in his field. He’s written books on cognitive and anomalistic psychology, edited collections of articles, appeared on TV and radio, written dozens of articles for the Guardian newspaper and appeared as an expert witness in court.

This Wednesday he’ll not just be talking about that, he’ll explain how claims of paranormal ability, from dowsing to clairvoyance, are tested… and what happened when Chris and his team at Goldsmiths, University of London, tested them under controlled conditions.

Were they sincerely deluded, were they charlatans, or were some able to demonstrate their incredible abilities? Come to this month’s PubSci and find out!

Follow this link to read more and then reserve your place on eventbrite

A Victorian stage magician demonstrating mind reading for money
1900s theatre poster advertising a mind reading act. (Public domain)

19th July | Chris French: “Putting Paranormal Claims to the Test”

[Eventbrite registration required. Free to attend but donations to running costs welcome]

On Wednesday 19th July PubSci is delighted to welcome back Professor Chris French, renowned head of the Anomalistic Psychology Research Unit at Goldsmiths, University of London.

A Victorian stage magician demonstrating mind reading for money

1900s theatre poster advertising a mind reading act

Prof. French’s unit explores non-paranormal explanations for experiences that people have reported as paranormal. His team has also devoted considerable time and effort over the years to directly testing paranormal claims

In this talk, Chris presents an overview of these investigations, including claims of psychic ability and mediumship, “human magnetism”, dowsing, and precognitive dreams. Join us for a fun and fascinating evening exploring the claims people make, the beliefs they hold, and what happens when they are subject to scientific enquiry.

Spoiler alert: He is still a sceptic.

Two men with metal forks and spoons apparently stuck to their bodies

‘Human magnets’ in Vietnam compete to stick the most items to their bodies. Image © Ryan Hinkson

Join us upstairs at the Old King’s Head near London Bridge station. Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7pm start. The Old King’s Head has a happy hour before 7pm, and the kitchen serves excellent pub grub. We anticipate a large turnout for this event and are using Eventbrite to manage numbers. Please reserve your spot ASAP to avoid disappointment.

• • •

chris_french_131168_bill_robinson_small

Professor Chris French. Image © Bill Robinson

Chris French is Emeritus Professor and Head of the Anomalistic Psychology Research Unit in the Psychology Department at Goldsmiths, University of London. He is a Fellow of the British Psychological Society and of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry and a Patron of UK Humanists.

Chris has published well over 150 articles and chapters covering a wide range of topics. His main current area of research is the psychology of paranormal beliefs and anomalous experiences. He frequently appears on radio and television casting a sceptical eye over paranormal claims.

His most recent book is Anomalistic Psychology: Exploring Paranormal Belief and Experience and his next book, published by MIT Press, will be The Science of Weird Shit: Why Our Minds Conjure the Paranormal, is out next year.

• • •

Hands around a crystal ball

Join us for a mind-bending evening as Chris French describes testing claims of the paranormal. Will you be you convinced by the science?

• • •

Please support PubSci.

There is no charge for attending PubSci talks, but we have a whip-round to cover expenses. Because so few of us carry cash these days, you can contribute digitally too. Please help PubSci continue to put on events.

We aim to keep PubSci accessible for all, although it is unsuitable for under 18s as we meet in the function room of a pub. Regrettably, there is no wheelchair access. 

Please check our Future Events page where you can also subscribe to our iCal feed. The Spring/Summer talks programme will also be announced at this event. You can find all our links on our LinkTree.

logo-with-colour-details-cropped-lhs

We used to meet on the first Wednesday of the month but PubSci is now on the third Wednesday.

image-third-wednesdays

Address:

The Old King’s Head (upstairs room)
King’s Head Yard
45-49 Borough High Street
London SE1 1NA

Update: PubSci this Wednesday FULLY BOOKED!

Dr Eugenia Cheng is proving to be one of our most popular speakers ever, and there are [only 10] no more tickets available for her talk Is Maths Real at the Old King’s Head on Wednesday 21st June.

Eugenia Cheng with music by J.S. Bach
Eugenia Cheng talking on maths and music

We’ll try to squeeze everybody in, but it looks like being a full house, so please register on Eventbrite if you intend to come*. It’s still free to attend but we use Eventbrite ticketing to manage numbers. *Update: With all places now allocated, you can only add your name to the waitlist at this stage.

Priority of admission and seating will naturally be given to ticket-holders, with walk-ins only admitted at the very last minute, and only if there is space.

You have the option of making a contribution towards PubSci’s running costs when you register on Eventbrite or you can put a few quid in the beer mug on the night.

•••

If you want to get an idea of what Dr Cheng has to say, she was on BBC Radio 4 Start The Week this morning, in conversation with Sarah Hart, Emily Howard and Kirsty Wark on the combined joys of maths, music and literature.

Listen on BBC Sounds if you missed it. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001n1k5

Hope to see you this coming Wednesday, and don’t forget to put next Month’s PubSci in your diary: On Weds 19th July, Professor Chris French will be talking about The Science of Weird Sh*t and testing paranormal claims – definitely not to be missed!

“Nuclear Now” – Invitation to Oliver Stone Documentary Screening + Director Q&A | Weds 14th June (Exclusive PubSci Discount)

As fossil fuels continue to drive climate change, Oliver Stone confronts the influence of oil companies whose tactics have enriched a small group of corporations and individuals for generations, and argues that the solution to the combined climate and energy crises is found in nuclear power.

Whether we are inclined to agree or disagree with him, The Royal Institution presents this unique opportunity to see Stone’s campaigning documentary at its first UK screening and make our own minds up, followed by a live panel Q&A with the legendary film director himself.

All details on the Royal Institution website. Enter the code PubSci25 at checkout for an exclusive discount only made available to PubSci friends and followers.

NB This is an external event, organised by our friends at the Ri, which PubSci is sharing due to general interest.