Free Astronomy Talk: Where in the Universe?

What is the nature of “empty” space? Does time exist? Ponder these questions—and the curious relationship between observer and nature—with renowned astronomer Bob Berman, known for his unique blend of humor, informality, and encyclopedic sky-knowledge. Berman will describe radical advancements in astronomy since 1998, addressing our in-person audience at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History from a distance via Zoom during this free talk presented by the Santa Barbara Astronomical Unit. This talk was originally offered in October 2023, when circumstances required a recorded version to be substituted. We look forward to experiencing a more interactive version this time, hopefully with time for Q&A.

Bob Berman is the author of 12 popular science books and more than a thousand published mass-market articles. Listeners in seven states hear his “Strange Universe” program on the WAMC Northeast Public Radio stations during NPR’s Weekend Edition each Sunday morning, and he has been a guest on such TV shows as Today and Late Night with David Letterman. Since the mid-1990s, Berman’s celebrated “Strange Universe” feature has appeared monthly in Astronomy magazine, the largest circulation periodical on the subject. He is the longtime astronomy editor of the Old Farmer’s Almanac and was Discover magazine’s monthly astronomy columnist 1989–2006.

As a lecturer who leads annual expeditions to see celestial events such as auroras and total eclipses, Berman has spent five years overseas, from the Arctic to the Antarctic. He is director of two Ulster County observatories and the Storm King Observatory at Cornwall, New York. He was adjunct professor of astronomy and physics at New York’s Marymount College 1995–2000. For 17 years starting in 1979, Berman created and taught the summer astronomy program at Yellowstone National Park for the National Park Service and Yellowstone Institute.

No tickets or reservations required. Questions? Contact SBMNH Astronomy Programs Manager John Winckowski at jwinckowski@sbnature2.org or 805-682-4711 ext. 164.