Video codec standardization update for 360 degree videoMPEG and ITU-T VCEG are developing new SEI messages for HEVC to standardize coding of omnidirectional spherical video (also called 360° videoâ€Â), for inclusion in a new version of HEVC in late 2017. These SEI messages can be used with existing HEVC profiles, with projection mapping of the spherical video ...
Where: Santa ClaraCost: $5 General, Free for members
Time-series studies have yielded valuable insights into how plankton communities fluctuate at various temporal scales. This talk will discuss studies combining different methods to determine how seasonal-scale light and nitrogen availability shape phytoplankton population structure, activities, and diversity, and thus potential pathways for energy and matter flux in both vertically ...
Spin and the quantum rules for apartment rentalsAlmost all elementary particles act as if they are spinning. Scientists once believed that this spin would always be 0, 1, 2… measured in the units of quantum mechanics. Yet the spin of electrons turned out to be ½. Moreover, particles with spin ½ can’t really share space with each ...
Where: AlbanyCost: Free
DIY Cold-Climate Biogas Unit w/David House & SF Permaculture Guild MtgCome to the permaculture guild gathering to hear David House present on homescale biogas. Come for networking and food/seed sharing before and after.Biogas, sometimes called “the cousin of composting,â€Â is what you get when any organic material decomposes in the absence of oxygen (aka it’s anaerobic, vs composting which is aerobic). Biogas ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: free
Thursday, 08/03/17
Family Science AfternoonJoin members of the California section of the American Chemical Society for a family afternoon of science.
Where: San LeandroCost: Free
Detritus, degradation, and diet: Using isotopes to trace the fate of ocean biomassThe vast majority of organic matter in the ocean is nonliving. Particulate organic detritus, in particular, comprises a critical component of the marine carbon cycle via the “biological pump†and is a food source for diverse marine biota. However, it can be difficult to connect the biological origins and detrital, ...
Where: Moss LandingCost: Free
Intelligence is not Artificial: Why the Singularity is Not Coming Any Time SoonWe are bombarded daily with news of stunning achievements by Artificial Intelligence (AI) programs and promises of more to come. We are told that AI systems are getting as intelligent as us, and that soon they will be even more intelligent than us. It is worth pausing. Let’s take a ...
Are we alone in the universe? What is our place in space? Before the moon blots out the Sun on August 21, consider cosmic questions at After Dark. Learn what it’s like to skydive from the stratosphere or land a rover on Mars. Listen to the interstellar message of Voyager’s ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $15 General, $10 Members
Cafe InquiryMeet up with rationalists, skeptics, and freethinkers south of San Francisco
Where: Menlo ParkCost: Free
Electric NightlifeFrom bioluminescence to the electric grid, feel the buzz as NightLife celebrates all things illuminated.Learn about the new fleet of electric vehicles taking to the streets. Check out Alta Motors, a local startup making waves with their all-electric motocross motorcycles.Light up the night with Rock the Bike’s pedal-powered LED sculpture.Learn ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $15 General, $12 Members
Summer of Love FOGG Trail Mixer @ The Golden Gate Overlook! Experience the Summer of Love at the August Trail Mixer! Celebrate flower power by making a flower crown, tap into your spiritual side by getting a tarot card reading, and perfect your #TBT photo with a lesson in iPhone photography.DID YOU KNOW? ​​​​​​The Golden Gate Overlook was only constructed 5 ...
On August 21st, we will be treated to a total and partial solar eclipse across North America. In preparation, I will talk about the history and the science of eclipses, answering questions such as “When was the earliest recorded solar eclipse?†“How do we predict when and where we can ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Friday, 08/04/17
Birds & BotanyHike the forests, meadows and hills around Pine Flat and up Redhill with ACR Volunteer Patrick Woodworth & ACR Resource Ecologist Dave Self. We’ll be watching (and listening) for birds on the hike out. After lunch, we'll botanize as we consider the seasonal interplay between bird foods, habitat history and current activity ...
Where: GeyservilleCost: Free
Fish DaysLearn about fresh water fish that are found in local ponds and rivers. Games show native and non native fish and how they arrived at Tule Ponds. Compare fishing ponds for people versus fishing ponds for wildlife.  Explore how the early peoples of area went fishing as well as the ...
Where: FremontCost: Free
Saturday, 08/05/17
WW II in the Shadow of Mt. Tam2017 is the 75th anniversary of the establishment of a bustling wartime shipyard called Marinship in Sausalito. Innovations, ingenuity, and inspiration all played a part in the day to day routine. Join Ranger Joanne on a 2-mile walking tour of the area surrounding the Bay Model to experience what life ...
Where: SausalitoCost: Free
Eclipse 2017: Astronomer Andrew Fraknoi PresentsIn this illustrated, nontechnical talk, for ages 10 to adult, astronomer Andrew Fraknoi, will describe how eclipses work, why they are one of nature’s most spectacular sights, what scientists learn during eclipses, exactly when and where the eclipse of 2017 will be visible, and how to observe the eclipse and ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Twilight Marsh Walk - CANCELEDExperience the salt marsh at twilight on an easy stroll along Tidelands (1 1/3 mile) Trail. At the setting of the sun we will observe the beginning of nature’s night shift. Come discover the sights, sounds, and smells of the refuge as night descends. Not suitable for young children. RESERVATIONS ...
Where: FremontCost: Free
Sunday, 08/06/17
Novato Space FestivalMeet Legendary Astronauts & Experience 30 Different Exhibits!VIP Guests:Al Worden - Apollo 15 Moon MissionJerry Ross - Space Shuttle Flights 61, 27, 37, 55, 74, 88, 110Nicole Stott - Space Shuttle Flights - 128, 129, 133Bruce Melnick - Spaces Shuttle Flights 41, 49Dan Bursch - Space Shuttle Flights 51, 68, ...
Where: NovatoCost: Free
Science Regatta FundayWhat makes a boat float? How can we make a boat move faster?Experiment with different recyclable materials and build your own boat to find out. Design your boat and test it in the Hall’s Forces That Shape the Bay outdoor science park, then redesign your boat as you work towards ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free with admission. Free for Members.
The Sky Event of the Decade: August’s Eclipse of the SunSan Francisco Public Library is pleased to bring astronomer Andrew Fraknoi to the Main Library for a talk titled “August’s ‘All-American’ Eclipse of the Sun and How to View it Safely.â€On Aug. 21, there will be an eclipse of the Sun visible throughout North America. People in a narrow path ...
The cheapest, simplest, most effective way of manipulating DNA ever known, CRISPR may well give us the cure to HIV and genetic diseases, as well as help eradicate some of the world's deadliest pathogens. Yet even the tiniest changes to DNA could have myriad, unforeseeable consequences - to say nothing ...
This century will permit us the first opportunities to study biology beyond Earth; biology as we don’t yet know it, and biology that we have exported off the surface of our planet. The technologies needed for discovering biology beyond Earth are different, depending on whether you are searching for microbes or ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $15 General, $12 Members
Nicky Case’s presentations are as ingenious, compelling, and graphically rich as the visualizing tools and games he creates for understanding complex dynamic systems.He writes: “We need to see the non-linear feedback loops between culture, economics, and technology. Not only that, but we need to see how collective behavior emerges from ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $15 General, Free for members
