Explore science through this lecture series covering a wide range of topics from local experts in their field. 

ASU professor Dr. Stephen P. Davis will be on hand to present "How We Know the Earth is Round"  (followed by … “Is this Arizona or Tatooine?”) for this special Thursday Science Cafe.

“How We Know the Earth Is Round”

When confronted by insistent flat-Earthers on social media or in your neighborhood, what can you say? Yes, we know they are wrong, but how do we know? We’ll look at the evidence in stages: First, what can we see with our own eyes? Then, what can we see with a simple telescope? (And what did Galileo Galilei observe 400 years ago?) How about phoning a friend in another country? Or traveling overseas ourselves? We will also visit our Greek friend Eratosthenes, to geometry --- a word which literally means “measuring the Earth.” Finally, we will consider the reports of pilots and sea captains, along with a one-minute visual recap of the space programs of the world.

After this interactive presentation, audience members receive a “Fact-and-Map” Sheet to help remember the geo-knowledge we have, including the sheer scale of the Earth and interactions of its natural systems.

“Is this Arizona or Tatooine?” – a (very short) trip to the desert planet!
Earth Water vs. Science Fiction Water: What we can learn (and unlearn) from Star Wars, Dune, and other films.

Although the Star Wars films might seem like total fantasy, with little attention paid to actual science or physics, Luke Skywalker’s uncle and aunt might have been onto something as “moisture farmers” – especially for heat-blasted central Arizona! This short presentation will look at a few of the small-scale ideas and solutions for moister conservation and moisture “harvesting” from the universe of sci-fi.

Location: 4th Floor Lecture Room