Stargazing Lecture

Stargazing is dependent on clear weather, but lecture and Q&A happen regardless. Event will occur in-person, with lecture and Q&A additionally live-streamed on YouTube.

For remote viewers, the event will be live-streamed here:
https://youtube.com/live/iUydeMpN8Fc?feature=share

8:00–8:45 p.m. - Public Lecture
8:45–9:45 p.m. - Panel Q&A and Guided Stargazing

The vastness of space is so great that travel to the nearest star system requires tens of thousands of years using conventional rocket technology. However, the world of science fiction has many examples of ships capable of making this journey in hours or days by traveling at faster-than-light speeds. But are the "warp drives" necessary for achieving these speeds even compatible with the laws of physics as we know them? In this talk, I will discuss the physics of proposed warp drives in the context of Einstein's equations of General Relativity. I will also comment on the intrinsic obstacles to creating such devices in practice.

About the Series

Stargazing Lectures are free lectures at a public level followed by a Q&A panel and guided stargazing with telescopes (weather permitting). All events are held at the Cahill Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics at Caltech and are free and open to all. No reservations are needed. Lectures are 30 minutes; stargazing and panel Q&A last 60 minutes. Stay only as long as you want.

Stargazing is only possible with clear skies, but the lecture and panel Q&A take place regardless of weather.

For directions, weather updates, and more information, please visit: http://outreach.astro.caltech.edu.