The Physics And Chemistry Of The Apocalypse

How and when the world will end is a topic that has attracted attention for millennia, along with a host of bogus predictions. While the Mayan calendar has a classic appeal, to find out what will actually happen—and when—we need to study the evolution of the sun and the physics and chemistry of the atmospheres of Earth and the planet Venus, which may have been an Earth-like planet in the distant past. The apocalypse will be a “runaway greenhouse, lime-kiln inferno,” but luckily this will not happen for another half-billion years according to Dr. Colin Goldblatt, a professor in UVic’s School of Earth and Ocean Sciences.
       He’ll discuss all this and more at the next Café Scientifique on Jan. 10. Goldblatt studies how climate, geochemistry and life have interacted through Earth’s history, and the evolution of atmospheres on other Earth-like planets.
       Presented by UVic’s Faculty of Science, Café Scientifique is an informal seminar and discussion series that provides insights into general science-related issues of popular interest to the general public. The seminars are opportunities for the public to meet local researchers and discuss interesting and sometimes contentious research currently underway in Canada.

       Café Scientifique with Dr. Colin Goldblatt
       The Physics and Chemistry of the Apocalypse: RunawayGreenhouses,
       Earth's Future and Venus’ Past
       Tuesday, Jan. 10, 7-8:30 p.m.
       Solstice Café, 529 Pandora St.
       Admission is free

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