Roger Hahn talking about Galileo on July 18th

Roger Hahn, UC Berkeley historian of science and our keynote speaker for the Astronomy program on Oct. 2nd, is delivering a talk on "A Troublesome Pioneer: Galileo Galilei" (July 18th, 11:00-12:00, at the Genetics and Plant Biology Building, Room 100 on the Berkeley campus).

"Galileo revolutionized astronomy by turning his telescope to the heavens in 1609. The full story of his achievements is replete with complications that make it difficult for modern man to realize how troublesome his discoveries were in his own times. Many of them stem from Galileo's personality which was calculated to upset the established order; others from the changes his pioneering work forced upon traditional astronomers, and more especially upon the Catholic Church. 400 years later we picture him as a critical link in the progress of our understanding; but in his own times he was soundly criticized and properly condemned."

This talk is part of a monthly series of talks sponsored by the UC Berkeley Astronomy Department in celebration of the International Year of Astronomy 2009. The talks take place on the third Saturday of every month at 11:00-12:00, and are open to the public and free of charge. Videos of previous talks as well as logistical details and maps are available at the web site for this program series.

Make a Weekend of it: Special hotel deal for Humanities West attendees

Don't like the idea of driving back and forth to San Francisco for our programs? Consider pampering your body as well as your mind by enjoying a luxurious weekend in the City. Take advantage of a special offer from the new Fairmont Heritage Place Ghirardelli Square.

The Fairmont Heritage Place, located within Ghirardelli's former chocolate factory at 900 North Point Road in San Francisco, overlooks San Francisco Bay, combining contemporary urban design with a landmark setting. Its 43 spacious residences include an open concept living space with fireplace, a large plasma screen TV, and a kitchen and dining area designed for interactive entertaining (with 24-hour butler and concierge sevice available). Many also have outdoor view terraces.

For the Friday and/or Saturday nights of our 2009-10 programs, Humanities West attendees are eligible for the following special room rates:

One Bedroom City View Residence = $299.00 per night
One Bedroom Bay View Residence = $369.00 per night
Two Bedroom City View Residence = $419.00 per night
Two Bedroom Bay View Residence = $485.00 per night
Three Bedroom City View Residence = $535 per night

The rates also include transportation to and from Herbst Theatre as well as continental breakfast and a daily wine reception served in their lounge.

To reserve, Humanities West attendees must contact the property directly, and not use the website for their reservations. Ask for Michael Klein, the property Revenue Manager, at 415-268-5706, and request the Humanities West rate.

If you take advantage of this offer, we would love to hear about your experience. Please leave a comment to tell us how it went.

Galileo's Telescope

The instrument that revolutionized astronomy 400 years ago was relatively simple, and underwent rapid evolution and refinement as its usefulness was demonstrated. To learn more about the origins of the first telescope, check out this article by Albert van Helden or listen to this 15 minute segment from NPR. A Nova website also contains some useful background information about the invention of the telescope.

If you are going to be in Philadelphia this summer, you can see one of only two surviving Galileo telescopes at The Franklin Institute (through Sept. 7, 2009). This is the first time that one of these instruments has left Italy.

If you would like to explore the full history of the telescope up to today, check out the PBS documentary, 400 Years of the Telescope, which is readily available through Netflix