Title: Astronomy in Early Science Fiction - Dr. Kristine Larsen, Professor of Astronomy at Central Connecticut State University
Event Info: We are thrilled to host Dr. Kristine Larsen, an astronomy professor and acclaimed scholar who explores the intersection of science, literature, and popular culture. Dr. Larsen will guide us on a fascinating journey through early science fiction, revealing how the astronomical knowledge of the time shaped visionary tales of space travel and other worlds.
Before Jules Verne or H.G. Wells, writers were using the cosmos as a backdrop for their stories. Dr. Larsen's talk will illuminate how these early works served as both imaginative speculation and reflection of the contemporary understanding of the universe. Her recent work delves into how authors wove the latest celestial discoveries into narratives that captivated readers and, in some cases, even inspired future scientists.
This is a fantastic opportunity to see the history of astronomy through a different lens and discover the deep, long standing connection between scientific exploration and creative storytelling.
Date: Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Time: 8 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Eastern
Location:
Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium
180 Little Neck Road
Centerport, NY 11721