Marc Garneau investigates the origin of the universe
[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Garneau.jpg” caption=”Marc Garneau”]Researchers in McMaster's Department of Physics & Astronomy are peering into the distant galactic past by studying the first stars to illuminate the dark universe. Their findings are leading to answers to the question of how galaxies, stars, and planets first formed.
Former astronaut Marc Garneau, now president of the Canadian Space Agency, will be speaking at McMaster Thursday, Oct. 21 at 12:30 p.m. in the McMaster University Student Centre, CIBC Hall, Rm. 319, as part of the Origins Institute public lecture series. Learn how Canada's astronauts and scientists are at forefront of space research and participate in a discussion of how space science and exploration is helping us gain a greater understanding of our origins, and of our destiny.
Garneau was one of six Canadian astronauts selected in December 1983. He became the first Canadian astronaut to fly in space as a payload specialist on Shuttle Mission 41-G in October 1984. A veteran of three space flights (STS-41G in 1984, STS-77 in 1996 and STS-97 in 2000), Garneau has logged more than 677 hours in space. He received his early education in Quebec City and Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu in Quebec and in London, England. He completed his doctorate in electrical engineering from the Imperial College of Science and Technology, London, England, in 1973. He also holds honourary doctorates from a number of Canadian universities. He was promoted Companion of the Order of Canada in 2003, having been appointed as an officer in 1984.
The free lecture is one in a series of four that investigates the origins of life. The 2004/05 series began in September with Chris Stringer, Hooker Distinguished Visiting Professor from the Natural History Museum, London, UK, speaking on “The Origin of Our Species.”
Upcoming Origins speakers:
- Donald Layton, Centennial professor of physics and astronomy, Clemson University, will present, “The Origin of the Atoms in our World” on Nov. 4 at 8 p.m. in Togo Salmon Hall, Rm. 120.
- Lawrence Krauss, a professor from Case Western University, will present, “An Atom from Hamilton A Cosmic Odyssey” on Feb. 10 at 8 p.m. in the McMaster Centre for Learning & Discovery, Rm. 1305
The Origins Institute is a newly created institute at McMaster University. Its scientific focus is to create and foster interdisciplinary research on origins themes across a broad range of fundamental science. It also sponsors a public outreach and lectures program, as well as an undergraduate Origins specialization.
