herb masters
24.4.22 SciSchmooze
Greetings Science Reasoning Readers,
These are amazing times to be alive. Humans have done fairly well for the last 300,000, or so, years. It seems that as we have become more numerous we have had to increase our resourcefulness and understanding of how things work. Many amazing things have been invented and discovered. Now after a few hundred years of industrial revolution the realities and consequences are becoming much more apparent. I am often struck by beliefs that, either current or past, actually were believed. It was 400 years or so ago that Galileo was discovering the ears of Saturn. A little later Leo Allatius was the keeper of the Vatican library. He had an amazing theory about the Rings of Saturn! There were a few other theories as well! Nowadays there are so many theories, assumptions, distortions and downright lies you need to be a constantly improving critical thinker. I suggest that you consider Poe’s Law and keep it in mind when you read something that seems unbelievable.
So consider what we are doing with science and technology these days. The need for precise engineering and design has made a common item incredibly specialized. Why batteries come in so many sizes and shapes. Batteries were enough of an environmental and industrial challenge a few years ago but the need for battery recycling is getting much more intense… The end of a battery’s life matters as much as its beginning. (A deep dive in to battery recycling) Maybe it’s time to retire the term “clean energy”? Here’s an interesting article… Rethinking old ideas about what we eat, where we live and work, and how we power our communities. (With links to many more1!)
We’re heading in to the time of year when you can’t possibly see all of the presentations that excite you, there’s just too many! Here are a few that I think look pretty interesting though!…
- Twilight Marsh Walk Fremont Mon 6:45
- After Dark: Under the Microscope San Francisco Thu 6:00
- Berkeley Bay Festival Berkeley Point Sat 11-4
It’s happening! The James Lick Observatory Summer Series 2024 tickets went on sale to the GENERAL PUBLIC on April 17, 2024 at noon PDT. TICKETS SELL OUT FAST! If you are hoping to purchase tickets during the general sale we HIGHLY recommend you don’t delay. For more information on Lick’s Summer Series 2024, you can visit https://lickobservatory.eventbrite.com/
If you have any questions please email us at tickets@ucolick.org
Here are some more interesting items I have come across recently…
Sometimes we embrace it, sometimes we hate it—and everything depends on who is making it.
A geologist excavates the Himalayas with a microscope
Have you ever heard of Alice Augusta Ball? She is yet another Black Scientist who is only recently being acknowledged after someone else took credit for her work.
After all of the moon vs sun discussions you might be wondering where to go next…
Opinion: Can a ‘Net-Zero’ World Lead to True Sustainability?
Who was The Loneliest Genius?
You may remember the film Powers of Ten by Charles and Ray Eames (1977). Here’s a modern take on it… Universe Size Comparison | Cosmic Eye
So much science to learn and celebrate, so little time!
herb masters
“I seem to have been only like a boy playing on the seashore, and diverting myself in now and then finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than ordinary, whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me.”
Isaac Newton
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