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In the footsteps of Edmond Halley – Dan Falk

October 18 @ 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Talk Synopsis

Halley’s Comet has become so well known that it overshadows the English astronomer’s other work — but Edmond Halley (1656-1742) made important contributions to many branches of science. He worked out the size and shape of the Earth, as well as the size of the solar system; he mapped the Earth’s magnetic field, and studied the tides and monsoons; he tried to solve the problem of measuring longitude at sea; he predicted eclipses. And he was no couch potato: Halley sailed to St. Helena, a remote island in the South Atlantic, to chart the southern stars. On a recent visit to England, Dan Falk walked in Halley’s footsteps in an effort to learn more about his life and legacy.

Dr. Luna Zagorac

Bio:  Dan Falk is a science journalist and author with a particular interest in astronomy and physics. His freelance writing credits include SmithsonianScientific AmericanNew ScientistDiscoverUndarkNautilusQuanta, and many other publications. He’s the author of three popular science books: The Science of ShakespeareIn Search of Time, and Universe on a T-Shirt. He’s also worked extensively in radio, and co-hosts a podcast called BookLab, which reviews popular science books. As well, asteroid “20039 Danfalk” is named after him.

Banner Credit:  Edmond Halley – Public domain image -wikimedia.com; Comet: March 8, 1986 by W. Liller, Easter Island; Wikipedia

Details

Date:
October 18
Time:
8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Event Category:

Venue

DV2080 William Davis Building UTM

Organizer

Program Committee