"From Big Bang to Biospheres"

2011 Brinson Lecture: "From Big Bang to Biospheres"

Moderated by Gabriel Spitzer, WBEZ

Astronomers have made astonishing progress in probing our cosmic environment, thanks to advanced technology. We can trace cosmic history back to some mysterious 'beginning' nearly 14 billion years ago, and understand in outline the emergence of atoms, galaxies, stars and planets -- and how, on at least one planet, life developed a complex biosphere of which we are part. But these advances pose new questions: What does the long-range future hold? How widespread is life in our cosmos? Should we be surprised that the physical laws permitted the emergence of complexity? and Is physical reality even more extensive than the domain that our telescopes can probe? This illustrated lecture will address (but not answer!) such questions.

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Admission is free and open to the public. No pre-registration, space limited. Doors open 5:30 PM.

This event is co-sponsored by the University of Chicago and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.