Visitors from the Cosmos: Cosmic Radiation | Interest List (If Recorded) (Closed)

Course Description:

*As we are able to offer this course in-person, and still have ample room, we will not be offering a recording. Thanks to those who expressed interest. We do hope you can join us for the live session at Ryan Ranch.*

In 1912, the Austrian physicist Victor Hess flew above 15,000 ft in a hydrogen balloon. Flying with no oxygen and using crude instruments, he discovered that radiation actually increased with height above the ground. This was the first hint that we are being bombarded by subatomic particles from outer space. In the last hundred years, scientists have found that these particles come from a huge variety of cosmic sources, from the Sun to supernovae, to distant galaxies harboring supermassive black holes at their centers. Physicist and astronomer, Dr. Pierre Sokolsky, presents an illuminating examination of cosmic radiation, beginning with a look at the history of the research before exploring our current understanding of the nature of these “messengers” from space. He will also touch on the effects of this radiation on life on Earth, including its impact on evolution, human health and more.