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Conferences

Nature’s optics and our understanding of light

Optical phenomena visible to everyone have been central to the development of, and abundantly illustrate, important concepts in science and mathematics. The phenomena considered include rainbows, sparkling reflections on water, mirages, green flashes, glories, daylight, and the crystals. The concepts include refraction, caustics, wave interference, dispersion, complex angular momentum, polarization singularities, geometric phases, and visual illusions.

Colloquia

Social media and emergency: instructions for use

In recent years, social networks have become a primary source of information for citizens and, sometimes, for journalists. In particular, in emergency situations - like earthquakes, floods or terroristic attacks – they have proved themselves to be a fundamental tool for real time updating. A reliability problem exists, though. Are they really such a good source? Are we able to understand how to use them in emergency communication?

Conferences

Newton’s physics: A new “history of science” seminar

On Tuesday 20 June, Paolo Bussotti from University of Udine DIUM will give a seminar entitiled "Newton’s physics: the results of a genius lived in the 17th century" dedicated to Isaac Newton and his research. In 1687 Newton published his Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy. This text can be considered the most important contribution to the birth of modern physics. In the three books, Newton explained rational mechanics, hydrodynamics and presented his system of the world.

Conferences

“If I knew how to take a good pic, I would always do it”

“If I knew how to take a good picture, I would always do it” is a series of seminars organized by Andrea Tomicich and Giuseppe Mussardo at SISSA. From 18th May to 15th June 2017, every Thursday the speakers will lead the audience into a fascinating world that will merge the story of great photographers, and their memorable pictures, with the history of this beautiful art form. The first seminar is entitled “Flash of lights. The first great photographers” and is scheduled for Thursday 18 May.

Conferences

The birth of Gravitational Wave

On Tuesday 28 February 2017, Adele La Rana, from University of Rome “La Sapienza”, will give a seminar on the history of gravitational waves studies, focusing on the origin of the first experimental activities in Italy aimed at detecting gravitational radiation. “The Birth of Gravitational Wave. Research in Italy: Insights into a Scientific Frontier Adventure” is one of the “History of science” seminars organized by SISSA Interdisciplinary Laboratory.

Conferences

Symmetries in physics

On Wednesday 18 January 2017, Elena Castellani, science philosopher and writer of the University of Florence, will give a seminar on the historical and philosophical aspects of symmetries in physics. The talk will present the historical roots of the concept of symmetry and, then, will provide an overview of the intellectual debate on  this topic. It will highlight how the issues discussed relate to more traditional themes in the philosophy of science, such as the status of the laws of nature and, more generally, the relationships between mathematics, physical theory and the world.

Conferences

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