This program will be the first in a series of at least three sessions on the "Evidence for Evolution."  Biological evolution and psycho/social evolution will be included in subsequent programs.  The inspiration for this series originates in a series of lectures on "Evidence for Evolution" presented at the Chicago Academy of Science in 1983.  Ron Pine, another member of our Chapter, was a principle architect and presenter in that series. 

 

These programs will deal with the "big picture" or the structure of the best knowledge we have about the Evolution of the Universe, including us, that "Science" can provide.  Please invite your teen age children for a "wow" experience.  We will devote no time to creation theories or designs by forces other than Nature herself. 

 

Plan to arrive early to get a seat.  Your responding to me whether you plan to attend, in response to this post, will help in planning for the size of the audience.  Click reply and let me know.

 

For those of you who have conflicting schedules, send in your camera crew and record the sights and sounds in this outstanding presentation.  Remember, we meet just two weeks from t his Wednesday on May 5th.  Don't miss this one:  It is going to be good.   Jack Sechrest

 

Michael Albrow: Biographical sketch

    Mike Albrow was born and raised in England and attended Birmingham University (B.Sc. 1964). and Manchester University (Ph.D. 1969). He has done experimental research in fundamental particle physics  at CERN (European Laboratory for Particle Physics) for 22 years, holding positions at CERN, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (UK) and Stockholm University where he was a professor. Since 1991 he has been at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab) working at the Tevatron, the highest energy particle accelerator in the world. Though not a professional astronomer or cosmologist he has always kept a close eye on developments in those fields, and enjoys explaining physics to non-physicists, including everyone who will listen.

 

Abstract of talk 

    In recent years we have learned an astonishing amount about the Universe. We believe we know its age to better than 2%, and we have viable theories for the evolution of the big bang (neither big nor a bang!). From the origin of the Universe until another singular moment, the first molecule to reproduce itself, it underwent several transitions during which we saw the Universe becoming transparent, the formation of galaxies, stars and planets, the creation of elements essential for life (carbon, oxygen etc). I shall take you on an illustrated tour through the Universe between the two singular moments. I shall discuss some amazing physical facts that seem to be essential for the existence of life, and how the idea of multiple universes allows one to accept these without the need for Divine Intervention, at least as conceived by most conventional religions.