100 Years of Einstein’s Relativity (and How It Underlies Our Modern Understanding of the Universe) at Foothill College

As part of the 15th annual Silicon Valley Astronomy Lecture Series, Jeffrey Bennett, Ph.D., a noted astronomer from the University of Colorado, will discuss 100 Years of Einstein’s Relativity (and How It Underlies Our Modern Understanding of the Universe), an illustrated, non-technical lecture Wednesday, May 6, at 7 p.m. in the Smithwick Theatre at Foothill College in Los Altos Hills. Admission is free and the public is invited. Seating is first come, first served. Arrive early to locate parking.

2015 marks the 100th anniversary of Einstein’s completion of his General Theory of Relativity, the comprehensive theory of space, time and gravity. As part of this international celebration, Dr. Bennett, a noted astronomer, educator and author, is embarked on a national relativity tour to discuss how we need relativity to understand the cosmos. In his talk, he will explain the basic ideas of Einstein’s work in everyday language and will show us how Einstein’s remarkable ideas are being applied to black holes, gravitational lenses and the unfolding story of the universe itself.

Bennett is the author of college-level textbooks in astronomy, astrobiology, mathematics and statistics, as well as the popular books What is Relativity? and Beyond UFOs: The Search for Extraterrestrial Life. His five books for children are aboard the International Space Station, and being read to kids on Earth by astronauts during Story Time from Space events. He holds a doctorate from the University of Colorado, and has been a visiting senior scientist at NASA.

Bennett will sign copies of What is Relativity? after the lecture in Appreciation Hall (Room 1501).

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