In our fourth Watermans With Words mini book festival, we present a plasma physicist and an astrobiologist who will give us magnificent insights into our home planet, illustrated with extraordinary images.
7pm Melanie Windridge: Aurora: In Search Of The Northern Lights
Our first speaker is Dr. Melanie Windridge, a plasma physicist and science writer who has also climbed Mount Everest. She will present her book 'Aurora', which explores the phenomenon of the Northern Lights in which the powers of astronomy, geology, magnetism and atomic physics combine to create one of the extraordinary displays of planet Earth. Melanie will reveal our current understanding of what causes the aurora, including where the electrons at play come from. But the Lights are also more than just a scientific marvel. In undertaking her research, she travelled across the Northern hemisphere meeting people and collecting stories. Are the lights departed souls playing football with the skull of a walrus? If you mock the lights will they seize you&? This fascinating, accessible talk illustrated by startling images will describe Melanie's journey of discovery and share the science and the wonder of the Northern Lights.
8.30pm Lewis Dartnell: The Knowledge or How to Survive an Apocalypse
Our second speaker is Lewis Dartnell who holds the Professorship in Science Communication at the University of Westminster. He presents his book The Knowledge which asks: what would we need to rebuild civilisation from scratch, following a disaster that's laid waste to the world? Modern life has disconnected us from the basic processes that support our lives and the fundamentals of science that would enable us to relearn skills vital for survival? How would we extract metals, generate power, prepare medicines..? Come and marvel at the ingenuity and creativity of our ancestors as Professor Dartnell lays out the fantastically engaging story of the history of technology illustrated with fabulous images. With the chance to ask questions of this foremost expert and get a copy of his book, this may be the most important thing you could ever do to prepare for a zombie apocalypse.
Please note the programme has changed since it was initially announced. We apologise for any inconvenience.
Part of our Spring Friday Nights Live season. In association with ArchWay With Words.
