Lectures & Lasers

Friday, January 18 
6:30 pm to 10:00 pm

Want to impress your friends with your knowledge of science and culture? Looking for a new date night activity? Just want to kick back and watch a laser show? Join us at Chabot for our new Lectures & Lasers series! Every month we’ll be joined by experts, writers, and entertainers to delve into a new topic from rocket launches to pop astrology and everything in between. Then grab a drink and head to the planetarium dome for an immersive, multi-sensory music and laser light show. Shows, including the Beatles, U2, and Pink Floyd, will rotate each month. Beer, wine, non-alcoholic beverages, and desserts will be available for purchase. Bean Sprouts Café will be open from 6:30pm-8:30pm for dinner. Come early to explore the Center and enjoy dinner at Bean Sprouts Café before the show!  (This event is recommended for ages 15 and up).

Schedule
(Doors open at 6:30pm)

Bean Sprouts Café Open: 6:30pm-9:30pm

7pm- Scott Manley Talk: The Science Behind the Awesome Sights of Rocket Launches

8:15pm- Led Zeppelin Laser Show

9:15pm- Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon Laser Show

Prices
Full Program:
Lecture and Laser Shows: $15

“The Science Behind the Awesome Sights of Rocket Launches” Talk by Scott Manley

Rockets put on an impressive show, but you might have wondered exactly why the Space shuttles’ engines produce an almost transparent exhaust, while the boosters generate an intense white smoky flame. The answer of course involves rocket science and a lot of amazing visuals looking in details at how rockets light up the sky.

Bio:

Best known for his space themed YouTube channel where he brings science into video games and teaches kids of all ages the math behind rocket science. Originally from Scotland Scott Manley spent a decade in academia studying astrophysics and computational physics at the University of Glasgow and Armagh Observatory before being lured to the SF Bay Area by the prospect of a ‘paying job’ in the land of tech startups.

When Kerbal Space Program appeared, his videos explaining the game and the science behind it became big hits on YouTube. Scott’s videos generated over 100million video views and 500,000 subscribers in part because of his knowledge, but most likely because of his Scottish accent, tag lines and bad jokes.

Scott is also a long-term supporter of planetary defense having studied the asteroid hazard in his postgraduate work. He has worked with Asteroid Day and the B612 Foundation to promote the cause.

YouTube channel URL is http://youtube.com/user/szyzyg

Upcoming Lectures & Lasers Dates:

February 15^th

March 15^th

(More info coming soon)