To Infinity and Beyond: Science, Fiction, and Popular Understandings of Outer Space

Do you ever wonder how science fiction has inspired scientists to explore the universe—or what scientists think about the books, films, and video games that use their ideas? Have you ever been curious about where science fiction artists get their inspiration for the exotic planets and alien creatures populating their stories? If so, then this is the event for you! Our panel brings Georgia Tech astrobiologist Dr. Kennda Lynch, Emory physicist and popular science writer Dr. Sidney Perkowitz, award winning science fiction author Jack McDevitt, and up-and-coming queer young adult author Casey Alane Wilson together to explore these questions and more. Focusing specifically on representations of outer space and the beings that might inhabit it, our panelists show how both science and art shape popular understandings of the universe and our place within it. You will be welcome to ask questions and share your ideas in an open Q&A at the end of this event.

Getting there: Georgia Center for the Book at DeKalb County Public Library is a 1-minute walk from the Decatur MARTA station. Bus 36 runs every half hour from Midtown via Virginia-Highlands and Emory to Decatur. Decatur is also very bike friendly! If driving, free parking is available on site.

Presented by The School of Literature, Media, and Communication at Georgia Tech; Georgia Tech Library, Georgia Center for the Book; DeKalb County Public Library