Talks
Medieval Historians in Conversation
An event which brings together bestselling authors Dan Jones, Helen Castor, Helen Carr, Caroline Burt and Richard Partington together in conversation discussing their recent books as well as the process of writing history and all things medieval.
Kepler, Galileo and Aliens
Tue 13 February 2024
Westminster College
On 13th February at 1pm Prof. Martin Barlow will give a seminar entitled ‘Kepler, Galileo and Aliens’.
A light sandwich lunch will be provided from 12:30 in the Healey Room, Westminster College, Madingley Road Cambridge.
Abstract: While it is often supposed that the idea that aliens may exist is a recent idea, this is not supported by the actual history of astronomy. This talk will survey the work of Kepler and Galileo, the two major astronomers in the first part of the 17th century, with an emphasis on what they had to say about aliens. Both of them thought it likely that the Moon was inhabited by rational beings, but their reasoning owed more to theological principles than scientific evidence. I will then review the impact of their work on the thought of the English clergyman and natural philosopher John Wilkins, who was a co-founder of the Royal Society, and author of the first book written in English advocating an inhabited Moon.
More information: https://faradayinstitute.online/barlow
Cost: Free
Enquiries and booking
Booking is recommended for this event.
Enquiries: Julia Greenham Website Email: events@faraday.cam.ac.uk Telephone: 01223 760746