Bryan Gaensler, Dunlap Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics

          @misc{ pirsa_PIRSA:20020056,
            doi = {},
            url = {https://pirsa.org/20020056},
            author = {Gaensler, Bryan},
            keywords = {},
            language = {en},
            title = {Bryan Gaensler, Dunlap Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics},
            publisher = {Perimeter Institute},
            year = {2020},
            month = {feb},
            note = {PIRSA:20020056 see, \url{https://pirsa.org}}
          }
          

Abstract

Science fiction and science both inspire wonder and awe, albeit in very different ways.

At its best, science fiction asks profound questions about the human condition. In contrast, science asks – and often answers – even more profound questions about the very nature of matter, space, and time.

Both science fiction and science fact explore the concept of journeying to other stars and finding life on other worlds. When it comes to interstellar travel, the truth may soon become stranger (and more amazing) than fiction.

In his February 5 public lecture webcast at Perimeter Institute, astronomer Bryan Gaensler will provide an overview of the latest thinking on interstellar travel and on the search for alien life – including why he believes the frontiers of current research may be more exciting and visionary than any fictional stories we can imagine.

Gaensler is the Director of the Dunlap Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics at the University of Toronto, where he holds a Canada Research Chair. He has authored 400 scientific papers on cosmic magnetism, neutron stars, supernova explosions, and interstellar gas, and his popular science book, Extreme Cosmos, has been translated into six languages.