Oct. 4 event features discussion of the astronomical allusions of Tolkien's Middle-earth; Nov. 23 speaker examines food toxins & how to avoid them
Kristine Larsen, professor of astronomy and physics from Central Connecticut State University, will discuss the astronomy of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth at Jefferson Lab's first Fall 2004 Science Series event. The presentation will begin at 7 p.m. in the CEBAF Center auditorium on Monday, Oct. 4.
Larsen's presentation, "Moon Runes, The Light of Earendil, and Durin's Crown: The Astronomy of Middle-earth" will delve into J.R.R. Tolkien's imaginary world and the many detailed astronomical allusions he presents in his stories. Some obviously correspond to objects in the real night sky, while others have puzzled Tolkien scholars and enthusiasts for decades. Join Larsen and the audience on a tour through the astronomical lore of "The Hobbit," "The Lord of the Rings," and "The Silmarillion." Pointy ears and furry feet are welcome, but, as a security precaution, all magic rings must be left at the door.
Then on Tuesday, Nov. 23 - just before Thanksgiving - join Kristen Kulp, cancer research scientist with the Biology and Biotechnology Research Program at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory as she discusses "What's for Dinner? Avoiding Toxins Lurking in Your Food." She will perform on-the-spot demonstrations to illustrate methods used to detect food toxins. Kulp will also describe quick and easy cooking techniques that the audience can use to reduce their exposure to harmful compounds.
The presentations begin at 7 p.m. in Jefferson Lab's CEBAF Center auditorium, located at 12000 Jefferson Ave., Newport News. The programs are free and open to anyone interested in learning more about science; they last about one hour and include a question and answer period at the end. For security purposes during Science Series events, enter at Jefferson Lab's main entrance (Onnes Dr.). Everyone over 16 is asked to carry a photo ID and security guards may perform ID and vehicle checks. For more information, visit the science series page.