This week in science: 7/15 - 7/20

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July 15, 1:11 PM

by Christopher Langton, S.F. Science Examiner

 

 

Lectures etc:

Thursday, July 17, 6:00 PM
The Longevity Revolution
Robert N. Butler, M.D., Gerontologist; Author, The Longevity Revolution
Commonwealth Club of San Francisco
595 Market St # 2

People in developed nations have gained an average of 30 additional years of life during the 20th century, the greatest advance in longevity in 5,000 years of human history. But are we as a society prepared to handle this remarkable change? World-renowned gerontologist and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Butler will examine the challenges this creates: the adjustments that have been made, what will need to be done in the future, and possible threats to our longevity.

Location: Club Office
Time: 5:15 p.m. reception, 6 p.m. program
Cost: $8 members, $15 non-members

Friday, July 18, 6:00 PM
Full Moon Rising Hike
Chabot Space & Science Center

A naturalist and astronomer-led hike of approximately 5 - 6 miles will start from Chabot and travel through the trails of Redwood Regional Park. The full Moon rises at 9pm, see it and other wonders of the night sky from the natural settings of the Redwood-laced woods. Bring comfortable shoes, water and a flashlight.

Chabot is on Skyline Boulevard 1.3 miles from the Skyline Boulevard / Joaquin Miller Road signal light.
Advanced reservations required.
Tickets: $10 Call the Box Office at 510-336-7373

Science Venues:
 
Bay Model
2100 Bridgeway
Sausalito, CA 94965
415 332 3871
Open Hours
9a-4p Tu-F, 10a-4p Sa

This is an amazing artifact - a 2-acre scale-model of the San francisco Bay and Delta.  The model was built by the army Corps of Engineers in 1957 to simulate the flow of water in and around the Bay and to study the possible impacts of proposed construction projects. It is no longer used as a research tool (computer models have taken over) but it is still used as an educational tool.

This is a fascinating way to get an overview of the structure of the Bay and of the complex currents flowing within it. The walk around the model is replete with lots of information signs, posters, and pictures. You can easily spend a whole afternoon "browsing" the model, and it is a very kid-friendly venue.

Exploratorium
at the Palace of Fine Arts
3601 Lyon Street

"A museum of science, art, and human perception."

The Exploratorium is everybody's favorite "hands-on" science venue in the city of San Francisco. Located on the North Shore, near the Presidio and the Marina Green, the Exploratorium is packed with interesting things to see and fun things to do, and it is built with kids of all ages (2 - 90) in mind. Currently, my favorite exhibits are "The Mind" and "Invisible Dynamics," (which takes a look at the geological history of the San Francisco Bay and its environs). 

Chabot Space & Science Center

Easily accessible in the East Bay, this is also a great hands-on museum of science. It also has the best and biggest planetarium in the Bay area (the planetarium at the California Academy of Sciences will open in September, when the rest of this fine museum has its grand re-opening.)

Chabot is on Skyline Boulevard 1.3 miles from the Skyline Boulevard / Joaquin Miller Road signal light. Turn right up the driveway at the sign for Chabot Space & Science Center.

Chihuly at the de Young
de Young Museum - Golden Gate Park

Although not explicitly about science, this exhibit of blown-glass sculpture comes close to capturing the essence of biological life in glass. Some of the installations are so rich and colorfull that I felt as though I had been transported back to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, replete with spectacular coral and giant clams! This exhibit captures, through abstraction, the aesthetic beauty of Nature in a way that nicely complements the experience of being in Nature itself.

Don't miss this exhibit while it is in town!

Here is a sample (from the website):

Butterfly Zone: Plants and Pollinators

Conservatory of Flowers
John F. Kennedy Dr., Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, CA

Description (from the website):
Fly on over to the Conservatory of Flowers this spring because the butterflies are back, and there are more than ever. The popular exhibit "The Butterfly Zone: Plants and Pollinators" returns with double the number of butterflies and more nectar plants for feeding. You'll walk amongst a wide variety of brightly colored blossoms, watching (and sometimes ducking!) as butterflies fly from flower to flower drinking nectar and getting covered in pollen. It's a fascinating demonstration of plant pollination in action. The Butterfly Bungalow in the middle of the gallery also allows you to observe the pupae in their chrysalis stage. You never know, you may be lucky enough to catch the moment when one of these transformed, winged beauties emerges. So, come get eye to eye with a butterfly this spring at the Conservatory of Flowers! (from the website)

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