About this Event
Physicist Suzie Sheehy introduces us to the people who, through a combination of genius, persistence and luck, staged some of the most ground-breaking experiments of the twentieth century.
For millennia, people have asked questions about the nature of matter. In the twentieth century, this curiosity led to an unprecedented outburst of scientific discovery that changed the course of history.
How did a piece a gold foil completely change our understanding of atoms? What part did a hot air balloon play in the discovery of cosmic rays? How did the experiments in the run-up to the Large Hadron Collider lead to the invention of the World Wide Web?
Sheehy shows how asking questions and experiments informed innumerable aspects of how we live today. Radio, TV, the chips in our smartphones, MRI scanners, radar equipment and microwaves, to name a few: these were all made possible by our determination to understand, and control, the microscopic.
In this talk Sheehy celebrates the creative and curious people and their experiments that brought physics into the real world, putting what was theoretical in the hands of people.
Waterstones and Bristol Ideas want to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit for all. The event capacity has returned to normal and seating will not be socially distanced. In the interest of audience and staff safety we are grateful if you would continue to wear a mask if possible and make space when moving around the venue. Please stay home if you’re experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 (these are listed on the NHS website) or if you’ve recently been in contact with someone who has the virus.
- CONCESSIONS apply to Full Time Students, Job Seekers Allowance, Incapacity Benefit claimants, over 60s and disabled people.
- PARTNER RATE is for staff, students or members at the following organisations: Arts Council England, Bristol City Council, Business West, University of Bristol and UWE. Please note that you will be asked of proof for your eligibility of a concession or partner rate ticket. Please note that no refunds/exchanges are possible for tickets already purchased at the higher price.
- One free carer ticket can be booked at the same time for a paying disabled visitor. If you need to book more than one, please before booking to arrange.
Accessibility
- There are Blue Badge parking spaces on Union Street.
- There is level access to the event space.
- Events are amplified but there is no loop system.
- There are toilets for public use.
- Guide and assistance dogs are welcome.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Waterstones Bristol Galleries, use Union Street entrance, 11A Union Street, Bristol, United Kingdom
GBP 0.00 to GBP 8.00