Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Hear me talk about dark matter at a convention!

I'm going to Ad Astra, the Toronto science fiction convention, this year again. And this time I'm even giving a talk: a presentation about dark matter. I intend to keep it at a conversational tone and hopefully accessible for most, and I'm spicing it up with lots of science fiction references (I always wanted to use them for something) -- but it's going to be real science.

I'm also going to be on the panel of scientists answering questions from the audience. (I also offered to be on a couple of other panels, but at the moment it's not clear to me if they are included in the final programme.)

If you are in Toronto the weekend after next, maybe I'll meet you there.

9 comments:

Hasanuddin said...

It sounds like a good reason to call in sick and drive to Toronto. I'd really like to hear your talk.

You'll be very interested in the cosmologic model that I'm advancing. The scientific paper version is at http://hasanuddin.org

Or if you prefer a rowdy, sometimes bloody, debate go to http://www.scientificconcerns.com/Forums/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=776

Åka said...

My talk is on Sunday, and it's only open for members of the convention, and it's intended for those who don't know anything or just very little about dark matter. (This clarification for the benefit of people who are really interested.)

I understand that you, Hasanuddin, are not a regular reader (and know nothing about Ad Astra) but use my blog to promote your web site. Clearly a little outside of the normal scientific discussion, which of course doesn't have to go through personal blogs to reach people. I let it stand anyway, because it's no harm and might even be fun to look at some day in the future. (This clarification for the benefit of regular readers who might wonder what I think.)

Anonymous said...
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Phoebe said...

Hi,
My name is Phoebe and I am a senior at Mount Holyoke College. I am doing an independent study this semester on dark matter in science fiction and found your blog. I am having some trouble finding short stories in science fiction that deal with dark matter. If you have any ideas were I could find some or know of any I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you very much. From,
Phoebe

Phoebe said...

Hi,
My name is Phoebe and I am a student at Mount Holyoke Collge. I am doing an independent study this semester on dark matter and am looking at science fiction short stories, which has brought me to your blog. I am having some difficulty finding short stories in science fiction that deal with dark matter. I was wondering if you knew a good place for me to look or if you know of any that might be useful to my topic. Thank you so much.
From,
Phoebe

Åka said...

Hi Phoebe! Your project sounds really interesting, it would be fun to know the results of it. The only short story with dark matter in it that I can think of right now is this one: How Beautiful the Herd on the Dark Matter Range.

I'll post a comment here if I remember any more.

Phoebe said...

Thank you so much, this is great and I will keep looking to see if you have posted and let you know how my study turns out! Thank you so much.

S.W. Ahmed said...

Hello,

I don't know of any short stories on this topic, but I did write a critically acclaimed science fiction novel based on the mystery surrounding dark matter. It suggests that dark matter actually consists of many more stars and planets purposely hidden from us because highly advanced aliens are living on them and want us to remain oblivious to their existence. Details are on my website at http://www.swahmed.com.

Phoebe said...

Hi,
I was wondering if you thought of any other science fiction short stories that involve dark matter? Thanks