^[1]

nasa.gov

This Wednesday physicist Leonard Susskind ^[2] of Stanford University will give a non-technical, illustrated talk on The Black Hole Wars: My Battle with Stephen Hawking ^[3]. No background in science will be required for this talk or having seen Disney’s The Black Hole ^[4].

For two decades, physicist Susskind battled cosmologist Stephen Hawking over the behavior of black holes ^[5].

Hawking’s theory is that when information falls into a black hole it is permanently lost to the outside; also, that black holes evaporate. It happens very slowly but the black hole does emit particles, and eventually disappears.

Susskind’s theory is that the horizon of a black hole (a two dimensional surface like a film) somehow stores all the information that ever fell into the hole. He also theorizes the photons and other particles carry away every bit of information during evaporation of the black hole.

Stephen Hawking now agrees that the information is not lost when a black hole evaporates.

This is a non-technical talk but how can you not be excited about particle physics, event horizons, quantum mechanics, and holographic principles?

Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early to locate parking ^[6].
Parking lots 1, 7 and 8 provide stair and no-stair access to the Smithwick theatre.

Smithwick Theater, Foothill College
12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills ^[7]

Wednesday, October 1
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Admission: Free
Parking: $2.00

650-949-7888