Landslides remain a major global hazard, with thousands of events each year posing significant impacts to human life, infrastructure, critical lifelines, and ecosystems. Global climate change and evolving land-use practices are expected to increase the frequency, severity, and spatial extent of landslides, further amplifying the socio-economic risks. While advanced constitutive ...
Geologic hydrogen, including both naturally occurring and stimulated, is a promising primary energy resource. The Earth is a natural laboratory where hydrogen can be observed from surface features (e.g., springs, fairy circles) and subsurface structures (e.g. geothermal wells, chromite mines). The Earth is also a natural factory where both natural ...
Where: StanfordCost: Free
Forest-based natural climate solutions: Is there still hope?Rapid decarbonization and conservation are both essential to addressing climate change, with tropical forests playing a critical role in achieving net-zero emissions.Drawing on research from the Cambridge Centre for Carbon Credits (4C), Coomes will explore how forest-based nature-based climate solutions seek to reduce deforestation and restore degraded landscapes through credible ...
Campos agrícolas are fenced parcels spanning thousands of acres, owned or rented by Mexican-US agribusiness corporations, and characterized by intensive monoculture and large-scale production. There, surrounded by deserts and highways, transnational agricultural conglomerates have built “mini cities” as a frequent strategy to secure sufficient and available human labor. Each harvest ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Ultrafast Magnetism: The Physics Behind Faster, Greener Computing - SOLD OUTWhat happens when magnets move faster than we thought possible?In our everyday devices, magnets store information by flipping their polarity - north becomes south, south becomes north. But compared to modern silicon electronics, this process is surprisingly slow.Enter ultrafast magnetism. When magnets are struck with incredibly short laser pulses - ...
This presentation will discuss Scott Harris's new book, Why We Love Birds: 52 Birders on Birding. In the book, he interview 52 extraordinary birders about their spark bird, favorite bird, nemesis bird, and their favorite birding day. Accounts include Kenn Kaufman, Sy Montgomery, Pete Dunne, Debi Shearwater and Scott Weidensaul. Their answers ...
Astronomy on Tap is is a free public lecture series where astronomers give short, laid-back talks over drinks at local bars. No background in science required - our scientists share cool stuff about space while the audience just sits back and relaxes, with plenty of time to indulge their curiosity ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: Free
The Cosmic Background RadiationDr Bernardita Ried, of the Kavli Institute of Particle Astronomy at Stanford, will present to us on cosmic background radiation.
Cell membranes are highly sensitive to changes in pressure, temperature, and aqueous chemistry. This drives pronounced biochemical adaptation among marine life to protect membrane integrity and function under diverse conditions. For fifty years, scientists have recognized that organisms adjust the fatty (lipid) building blocks of their membranes to maintain optimal ...
Where: StanfordCost: Free
Exoplanetary Poetry: AI, Chemistry, and Alien Communication - LivestreamOur Cosmic Consciousness residency artists daniela brill estrada, Bart Kuipers, and Julie-Michèle Morin, discuss an art-science collaboration that imagines how language might emerge from alien worlds. Hosts: Bettina Forget and Cosmic Consciousness residency advisor Gregory Betts.Join SETI AIR program Director Bettina Forget for a conversation with Cosmic Consciousness artists in ...
Earth’s mantle occupies most of its volume, connecting the deep, inaccessible core to the surface. Its convection regulates the planet’s temperature, magnetic field, chemical distribution, and habitability conditions. Changes in convective regimes therefore have profound implications for Earth’s evolution and our interpretation of the geologic record. In this talk, I ...
Dr. Timothy Chou began his commercial career at one of Silicon Valley's first startups, Tandem Computers. He retired as the first President of Oracle's cloud computing business, pioneering the software-as-a-service model that would reshape the technology landscape. Following his retirement from Oracle, Dr. Chou has served on several public and ...
'Becoming Martian' - LivestreamJoin us virtually with the author of “Becoming Martian” to examine the potential consequences of life in space.As commercial space travel accelerates and plans for long-term human settlement beyond Earth move closer to reality, questions once confined to science fiction are becoming matters of scientific and policy relevance. We are ...
Where: Cost: Free
Controllable AI: Control Theory meets Artificial IntelligenceControl theory is fundamental in the design and understanding of many natural and engineered systems, from cars and robots to power networks and bacterial metabolism. In this talk, we explore how the principles of control and dynamical systems - formalized with control theory - can also play an important role ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Paved Paradise: The Ecological Impacts of Our Planet’s Roads - LivestreamSome 40 million miles of roadways encircle the earth, providing convenient infrastructure for humans at the expense of wildlife. Discover the profound ecological harm wrought by transportation, and the innovative solutions road ecologists, conservationists, and engineers are using to redress them. From tunnels for English toads to bridges for California’s ...
Once a marvel of modern science, plastic has become so inextricably woven into our lives that imagining a world without it seems impossible. Over the last 75 years, says author and environmentalist Judith Enck, plastic has cradled our planet in a synthetic embrace. In her new book The Problem With Plastic, ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $22 General
Listening with Merlin: How Sound ID Works and What It Can (and Can’t) Do - LivestreamMerlin Sound ID has made it possible for anyone to identify birds by sound, but how does it actually work, and how should birders use it? In this talk, I’ll give an accessible overview of how Merlin Sound ID listens to audio and turns it into species suggestions. I’ll describe ...
Where: Cost: Free
NightLife: Lunar UndergroundWelcome the Year of the Horse with LED lion dances, fortune tellers, and a bustling night market. Plus, a special performance by Frankie Fictitious. Our Lunar New Year celebration is one you won't want to miss.
Where: San FranciscoCost: Varies
After Dark: New Moon, New YearWelcome the Year of the Horse with traditional dances and uncover the significance of astronomical calendars.
Where: San FranciscoCost: $22.95 General, Free for members
Alison’s favorite photography subjects are tiny fungi and Myxomycetes (“Myxos” or “Slime Molds”), most so small that you would not see them as you walk through the forest. Alison will describe her evolution and process for creating beautiful photos of mushrooms and Myxos, most barely a few millimeters tall. She will share ...
Where: SebastopolCost: Free
Understanding Our Nearest Star: Solar Flares, Magnetic Explosions, and their Societal ImpactWhile our nearest star, the Sun, provides the conditions necessary for life on Earth, it also produces the most energetic events in the solar system. Solar flares release enormous amounts of energy, including intense and harmful X-ray radiation, and some eruptions are powerful enough to spew vast quantities of solar ...
Since its original development for engineering and insurance applications, the adoption of disaster risk assessment has grown, inspiring innovations in modeling, modern data collection methods such as crowdsourcing and remote sensing, and, importantly, a more diverse set of stakeholders. While promising, this growth necessitates new approaches that meet the distinct ...
NightLife: Friday Edition (18+)We're switching it up. For the first time ever, NightLife is landing on a Friday, and we’re opening the doors to guests 18+. Wander the museum after hours with a drink in hand, plus spend the night moving to sets from Shroomi, Maj, and MNTRA. Plus, explore vintage finds from ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: Varies
Saturday, 02/21/26
Open Community Hike Day at Bouverie PreserveCome out to the Bouverie Preserve in the Sonoma Valley, where we invite you to an open recreational day!Join us for the rare opportunity to explore the 535-acre preserve of mixed evergreen forest, riparian woodland, and chaparral. The preserve is home to a rich combination of plants and animals, including ...
Where: Glen EllenCost: Free
An Easy Intro to Feynman's Quantum ElectroDynamics (QED) - LivestreamOne of the most delightful and informative physics books ever written is Richard Feynman’s QED. In this short book, Feynman undertook the daunting task of explaining his Nobel-Prize-winning theory, Quantum ElectroDynamics, without any math except in a few elaborating footnotes. Remarkably, he succeeds! In this talk, Terry replicates many of ...
Where: Cost: Free
Baylands ExplorationsJoin expert EV docents for an exploration of the science and nature of the Palo Alto Baylands. What makes this habitat so special? How do the plants and animals survive the salty conditions? Why is it so different at different times of day or times of the year? How can ...
Where: Palo AltoCost: Free
Science Saturday: Reptile RevelryJoin us for Science Saturday celebrating the remarkable lives of reptiles and amphibians! With family-friendly games, crafts, and special guests, this event includes free admission to the Museum
Analyzing organic materials in artworks has long been associated with destructive techniques, which can be a major limitation when working with delicate or historically important objects. Recent developments, in both instruments and sampling strategies, have opened the door to approaches that require little to no intervention on the object itself. ...
Where: Cost: Free
Microbes vs. Climate Change: Bay Area EditionPOV: You are amongst the smallest and mightiest population in the Bay Area. Join us to see how microorganisms cope with climate trends!Imagine life as some of the smallest, but mightiest living things in the Bay Area: microbes! Join us for an interactive presentation and activity to learn about some ...
Where: AlvisoCost: Free
Spring FestivalKick off the Year of the Horse with culture, creativity, and connection! Join us for a day of activities and crafts for the whole family. Hear real-life stories of rescue-to-hero horses. Make your own lion dance puppets, and discover the foundations of Chinese dance. Immerse yourself in traditions old and ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: Free with admission
Jazz Under the Stars - CANCELEDJazz Under the Stars is a FREE monthly public stargazing event! Usually occurring on the Saturday nearest the 1st quarter moon (check our Events Page), join us in Building 36 on the 4th floor observatory for a night of smooth jazz, bright stars, and a lot of fun! We play our ...
Where: San MateoCost: Free
Starry Nights Star PartyJoin the San Jose Astronomical Association (SJAA) and Santa Clara County Open Space Authority (OSA) for an unforgettable night of exploring the night sky. Our knowledgeable docents, members of SJAA, will be your guides to providing valuable insights into the wonders of our universe. The viewing site, Rancho Canada del ...
Where: Morgan HillCost: Free
Capturing Nature’s Most Beautiful Light Shows: Auroras and EclipsesAuroras and eclipses are nature’s most spectacular light shows and bucket-list experiences for many, but how do you maximize your odds of actually seeing them when it counts? In this presentation, Vincent Ledvina, professional aurora chaser and space physics Ph.D. student, will break down the science behind auroras and the ...
Where: OaklandCost: Free
Sunday, 02/22/26
Gathering 4 Gardner: Pixar in a BoxJoin us for a fascinating talk on the science behind Pixar films! Part of the Gathering 4 Gardner (G4G) conference, this talk features mathematician and former Pixar senior scientist Tony DeRose, who will share his insight into how STEM advancements have impacted filmmaking.We’re pleased to host this presentation as part ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: Free with admission
Marine Science Sunday: Marine Mammal BabiesJoin us to learn more about the elephant seals and gray whales being born right now along the coast! We will explore the incredible cuteness of marine mammal babies and the adaptations of marine mammal moms to care for their young. We will also share the best places to see ...
Where: SausalitoCost: Free with admission
Monday, 02/23/26
Beyond Black-Box: Human-Centric and Physics-Informed AI for Integrated and Autonomous ConstructionAs global demand for urban infrastructure collides with severe labor shortages and urgent decarbonization goals, industrialized construction has emerged as a critical paradigm shift for the AEC industry. However, the transition toward fully integrated and autonomous systems remains stalled by a fundamental technical hurdle: distributional shift. Unlike highly structured digital ...
Financial systems underpin climate resilience: they fund protective infrastructure, shape preparedness through risk transfer, and provide the insurance that enables communities to recover from disasters. Yet these systems are increasingly strained by climate-driven extremes, evident in the National Flood Insurance Program’s multi-billion-dollar debt and the withdrawal of insurers from high-risk ...
Machine learning is the key technology underlying today's amazing artificial intelligence systems.How did we get to today's technology which now supports a trillion dollar AI industry? What were the key scientific breakthroughs? What were the surprises and dead-ends along the way, as seen by the researchers who created them? Who ...
The Earth’s subsurface is fractured and highly heterogeneous, and fractures often act as preferential pathways that dominate fluid flow and solute transport. This fracture-controlled behavior strongly influences a variety of subsurface technologies including carbon and hydrogen storage, natural or stimulated hydrogen production, geothermal energy, enhanced hydrocarbon recovery, and long-term geologic ...
With all the trouble going on in the world, why would we make games? Shouldn't we be working on climate change or be out protesting? Games can be more than just escapism though. Come learn how they can be art, a protest or way to refresh ourselves when we're tired ...
Popular culture is one of the most powerful spaces where publics encounter science, form attitudes toward it and imagine what scientific futures might look like. Film, for example, reaches global audiences and offers a narrative imagination lab where emerging technologies can be explored long before they enter everyday life. These cinematic ...
Fault-tolerant quantum computation requires further advances in lowering physical qubit error rates in scalable architectures. In this talk, I will present our work on understanding and controlling the microscopic sources of decoherence in superconducting qubits arising from material defects and interfaces. I will present our identification of microscopic origins of ...
Speaker: James Gagnon, University of UtahRoom: Auditorium
Where: StanfordCost: Free
Accelerating Irregular ComputationThe last decade of hardware scaling has been defined by a contract of regularity in which modern parallel hardware reaches peak throughput when data is organized as dense tensors and computation is uniform. This contract breaks down for the irregular representations used to model the physical world, including dynamic meshes ...
The diversity of beetles is widely known - but beetles are complex creatures living in diverse locations so they don’t all compete. Far less well known is the diversity of bacteria within species, most surprisingly with huge number of variants living together and directly competing for very long times. Why ...
The global energy transition will only succeed with the active participation of the private sector. Corporates are central to this effort: they are major sources of greenhouse gas emissions, among the largest consumers of electricity, critical drivers of innovation and scale in climate technologies, and - crucially - key providers ...
Where: StanfordCost: Free
Advanced Geothermal Energy for California Science, Status and ChallengesAll indications are that advances in drilling technology, mostly developed for or by the oil and gas industry, have placed geothermal energy (the kind that generates electricity) on the cusp of major new opportunities. Historically limited to geographic locations where hot rock and water are relatively near the surface, the ...
Where: SebastapolCost: $7 Advance, $10 at door
From Prompt Grounding to Edge Delivery: Agentic AI at ScaleAs enterprises adopt Generative AI, the challenge shifts from building isolated models to engineering multi-tenant AI platforms that are secure, grounded, and operationally reliable. This session explores the architecture of prompt-grounded, agentic AI systems that combine prompt engineering, retrieval-based grounding, and tool orchestration with cloud and CDN-based delivery to enable ...
Where: Mountain ViewCost: Free
Tuesday, 02/24/26
Exploring the Hidden World of Backyard Birds - LivestreamExplore the stars of Backyard Birds Revealed with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and acclaimed wildlife photographers Tim and Russell Laman. This live online event celebrates the quiet wonder of winter birdwatching - the reminder that even in the coldest months, life and color thrive just beyond your doorstep.Our five-part video series ...
Slow, spatially complex motion and transport in the body play central roles in health and disease. Yet these dynamics remain difficult to measure non-invasively because they occur in small or geometrically complex regions, or are too slow and become buried under larger physiological fluctuations. To address this, we developed a ...
Right after it cooled off in the Hadean, Earth is thought to have been mostly an ocean planet. The first substantial record of emerging land dates to the early Archean, with the recognition of sedimentary rocks laid down in subaerial environments. Deciphering that record is paramount to our understanding of ...
Where: StanfordCost: Free
Quantum Computing in Practice - LivestreamQuantum computing is a rapidly emerging field that uses the laws of quantum mechanics to solve problems that are far beyond the reach of even the most powerful traditional supercomputers. While there is tremendous promise, quantum information is remarkably delicate, and building systems that can manipulate it poses an enormous ...
The discovery of quantum materials, from unconventional superconductors to topological and correlated systems, has traditionally relied on a slow and fragmented loop between theory, computation, and experiment. Serendipity and brute force trial-and-error have played an important role in many important discoveries. In this talk, I will describe how Periodic Labs ...
Where: StanfordCost: Free
Responsibly Improving AI with Privacy-Sensitive Data: Principles, Theory, and PracticeLarge language models have revolutionized the field of machine learning, but a core tenet remains: AI systems need to be built and tuned using high-quality data from the right domain. As these systems increasingly touch our daily lives, the relevant data is frequently distributed and privacy sensitive. In this Richard ...
I will present battery-free autonomous microrobots that can fly in the wind or drive independently on the ground using microwatts of harvested energy from light or radio waves. These mobile sensing platforms could have a transformative impact in applications from agricultural monitoring, hazardous infrastructure inspection, exploring extraterrestrial environments, and reconfiguring ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Old-Growth Chronicles: Saving the Salmon Forests - LivestreamLynda Mapes will give a short presentation on highlights from her latest book, The Trees Are Speaking: Dispatches from the Salmon Forests, including an exploration of how abundant salmon runs once nourished old-growth forests on both coasts. She will detail other takeaways from her wide-ranging project on these remarkable ecosystems, ...
There are scientific truths, religious truths, historical truths, mythical truths, and more. In our current swamp of misinformation, disinformation, truthiness, rewritten history, conspiracy theories, “fake news,” and bald-faced lies, how do we discern actual facts and truth? What is “truth,” anyway? The Declaration of Independence claims that “We hold these ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $22 General, member discounts
Come learn more about the Western Snowy Plover, a diminutive shorebird that calls the beaches of Monterey Bay home. Point Blue Conservation Science ecologist Kriss Neuman has spent decades studying this tiny, threatened shorebird and will share information on the plover’s life history and breeding ecology, discuss why California’s sandy ...
Where: Pacific GroveCost:
Unraveling individual and environmental drivers of variation among elephant seals - LivestreamEnvironmental variation across temporal and spatial scales shapes individual differences in traits and causes resource acquisition and allocation to fluctuate dramatically. Spotlighting northern elephant seals as a model system, Roxanne and research technician Conner Hale will discuss how the Beltran Lab combines mark-recapture methods and animal-borne sensors to investigate how individual ...
The most energetic phenomena in the universe tend to reveal themselves through intense, short-lived signals. These violent transient events include novae, supernovae, and mergers of both neutron stars and black holes. Their signals - their natural messages - can span the entire electromagnetic spectrum, and may include gravitational waves as ...
