Shadow of a Doubt - 2006 03

Magazine Overview

Title: Shadow of A Doubt
Issue: March 2006
Publisher: National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS)
Document Type: Monthly Calendar / Newsletter

This issue of 'Shadow of A Doubt' from the National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS) focuses on promoting critical thinking and scientific understanding through upcoming events and discussions.

Featured Lecture: Positively Skeptical: A Way of Knowing

Speaker: Prof. Marvin Zelkowitz
Affiliation: Professor of Computer Science at the University of Maryland in College Park.
Date & Time: Saturday, March 18, 2006, 2 - 4 pm
Location: Silver Spring Library, 8901 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Prof. Zelkowitz, a long-time member and past president of NCAS, will explore the concept of skepticism, tracing its roots from ancient Greece through the Renaissance to the present day. The lecture aims to define skepticism beyond mere cynicism, highlighting its importance for personal well-being and critical evaluation of information. It will address why one should question beliefs and examine the credibility of evidence. The talk will also touch upon current skeptical organizations and NCAS's role within this movement. The timing is noted as particularly relevant due to the ongoing controversy between Intelligent Design and Evolution, and the celebration of Charles Darwin's birthday.

Featured Seminar: The Dark Universe—Black Holes, Dark Matter, Dark Energy

Organizer: Smithsonian Resident Associate Program
Date & Time: Saturday, March 18, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: Marion & Gustave Ring Auditorium, Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, Independence Ave. & 7th Street, SW, Washington, DC

This all-day seminar features world-renowned astrophysicist and cosmologist Mario Livio. It will delve into cutting-edge discoveries about the cosmos, focusing on the significant roles of dark matter, dark energy, and black holes. The seminar will cover:

• What Are Black Holes? (10 a.m. - 11 a.m.): Discussing their discovery, properties, and the concept of information loss.
• Dark Matter (11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.): Examining its existence, effects on galactic clusters, related theories in particle physics and supersymmetry, and potential detection methods.
• Lunch (12:30 p.m. - 2 p.m.): Participants are expected to provide their own lunch.
• Dark Energy (2 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.): Exploring Einstein's theories, the discovery of the accelerating universe, and new developments in understanding dark energy.
• Or, Maybe We Don't Understand Gravity? (3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.): Presenting alternative theories of gravity that do not rely on dark matter or dark energy.

Mario Livio is a senior astronomer at the Space Telescope Science Institute. Ticket prices vary for general admission, RAP members, and senior members. Contact information for registration is provided.

Board Notes

The NCAS Board notes include:

• Members are welcome to attend NCAS Board meetings following each NCAS Forum.
• The February NCAS Board meeting was canceled due to snow, impacting the February 11 Forum.
• Attendees are advised to always check the NCAS hotline (301-587-3827) for last-minute program changes or weather-related updates.
• Members are encouraged to serve as judges at local county school science fairs. Walter F. Rowe ([email protected], 703-494-2916) is the contact for this.
• NCAS is seeking members to help with publicity efforts by posting announcements in local libraries and on bulletin boards.
• General inquiries can be directed to the NCAS Board via email ([email protected]) or phone (301-587-3827).

NCAS Information and Contact

• Mailing Address: National Capital Area Skeptics, P.O. Box 8428, Silver Spring, Maryland 20907
• Information Telephone: 301-587-3827
• Email: [email protected]
• Skeptical Eye Submission Email: [email protected]
• Website: http://www.ncas.org/

NCAS is identified as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting critical thinking and scientific understanding.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the promotion of scientific skepticism and critical thinking. The NCAS positions itself as an organization that encourages evidence-based reasoning and challenges pseudoscientific claims. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific inquiry, rationalism, and the rigorous examination of evidence, as exemplified by the featured lecture and seminar topics. The organization actively seeks to engage the public in these discussions and encourages member participation in its activities and outreach efforts.