There is poetry in science. Watch Carl Sagan’s Cosmos or read one of his books, or watch this video. This is a man so awed by the majesty of the universe that he cannot even help but to speak about it most elegantly. Indeed, science can be immensely stimulating to the imagination. Sagan’s bibliography includes the novel Contact; everyone is likely aware of Arthur C. Clarke and his 2001 series.
Tonight, February 16, Carmichael’s and the Kentucky Science Center host Alan Lightman, theoretical physicist and accomplished novelist. His scientific career has included work on relativistic gravitation theory, stellar dynamics, and accretion disks. His novels include National Book Award Finalist The Diagnosis, Mr. G, the story of the creation of the universe as related by God, and Einstein’s Dreams, which I remember reading and being wowed by as a teenager. Lightman will be appearing to support his new memoir Screening Room, which tells the story of his return to Memphis, which he left forty years previously, to learn about his origins. The story tells a chronicle of a family, ranging from 1880 to present day.
Andrew Spence of the Kentucky Science Center will be interviewing Dr. Lightman. This event takes place at Bristol Bar & Grille at 7:00. Admission is $10 at the door or $5 in advance; purchase advance tickets at the Carmichael’s website or at any of their physical locations. The Bristol is located at 1321 Bardstown Road.
