A strong turnout tonight to see Dr Lewis Dartnell present is ‘Astrobiology – the hunt for alien life’ talk.
A fascinating insight in to a subject that’s only been able to get going in the last couple of decades, since the technology has been developed to allow for the sensing in extreme conditions.
What is Astrobiology?
Lewis opened with an introduction to Astrobiology as a subject – the study of life, or the potential of life, on other planets beyond Earth.
‘Astrobiology’ is a brand new field of science, encompassing research into the origins and limits of life on our own planet, and where life might exist beyond the Earth. But what actually is ‘life’ and how did it emerge on our own world? What are the most extreme conditions terrestrial life can tolerate? And where in the cosmos might we reasonably expect to find ET?
Continue reading Upcoming: ‘Astrobiology – The hunt for alien life’ talk by Dr. Lewis Dartnell
Unfortunately, technical issues led to the Dr. Alan Clark’s presentation on Landslips not being recorded. Happily the Questions and Answers session following the presentation was.
Have a listen to Alan Clark’s Q&A after the link.
Due to an extreme and sudden snow fall on the day of the March meeting, Professor Tara Dean was unable to make it to the Island.
We hope to reschedule.
Helen brought her bags full of enthusiasm to the Isle of Wight when she enlightened the audience about the world of Bubbles that she inhabits.
It’s highly-likely that you had no idea quite how fascinating Bubbles are if you haven’t heard Helen speak about them before.
Here’s a smattering of many things Helen covered –
Continue reading Dr Helen Czerski: Bubbles – The Bath and Beyond
At the January meeting Dr Gareth Dyke, a senior lecturer at Southampton University, laid out his case that birds evolved from Dinosaurs, fully engaging the considerable audience.
He started off giving the history of discovery and how the idea fell out of favour until the 1960s/70s. 1987 was a huge leap forward, before which almost nothing was know about evolution of flight in birds.
To illustrate the connection, Gareth gave many examples of similarities of the body structures of birds and dinosaurs.
Interestingly, relatively little is known about the relationships between the orders of bird, when compared with details known about mammals.
Continue reading Dr Gareth Dyke: The Evolution of Birds from Dinosaurs
At a packed event at the end of last year, John Yelland, a physicist and an engineer based on the Island, put forward his theories on Wind turbines and his belief that the UK’s energy policy is going in the wrong direction by backing wind turbines.
He covered the other energy sources currently available, he also discusses the ‘Renewable obligation’ and ends on the need to control future demand.
Have a listen after the jump …
Continue reading John Yelland: ‘Are we throwing caution to the wind?’
Dr. John Yelland, Island physicist and electrical engineer, will be presenting his talk, ‘Are we throwing caution to the wind?’ on 12 Novemeber.
In it he will put his case for a science-based energy policy.
Of particular local interest will be his inclusion of the Parkhurst Forest turbine application, for which there will be no Planning Committee decision until early next year.
Full details of the event: Cafe Scientifique: John Yelland.
Professor Heather Viles presentation was very well received last night.
Giving many examples from around the World, Heather showed how conservation is the way forward rather than the ‘seal it in aspic’ approach of preservation.
Her central message, beside the science is needed to understand and conserve these items is that, you want to be a geographer – not only is it fascinating, but you have great fun doing it!
Slide and audio after the jump
Continue reading Prof. Heather Viles: Science & conservation in Cultural heritage presentation
Last night Professor Mark Hanson presented his talk, based on his new book, Fat, Fate & Obesity.
His upbeat presentation style kept the audience engaged, as he revealed research with surprising conclusions.
The recording of his presentation and the following Q&A session are below.
Continue reading Prof. Mark Hanson: Fat, Fate & Obesity talk