MEDIA ADVISORY: Doomsday 2012 Predictions Will be Discussed at MU Astronomy’s “Cosmic Conversations”

Story Contact(s):
Timothy Wall, walltj@missouri.edu, 573-882-3346

WHAT: Angela Speck, University of Missouri professor of physics and astronomy, will lead a discussion of predictions of doom surrounding an interpretation of the Mayan calendar. Speck will reassure attendees that the world won’t end on the winter solstice, Dec. 21. Speck’s presentation will kick off the MU Department of Physics and Astronomy’s “Countdown to the End of the World.” The Countdown will culminate with a winter solstice party on Dec. 21 to celebrate humanity’s continued existence.

The MU Department of Physics and Astronomy in the College of Arts and Science and the Central Missouri Astronomical Association host the monthly lecture series, “Cosmic Conversations.”

Lectures take place on the first Wednesday of each month. Laws Observatory, an observatory deck on the fifth floor of the physics building, will be open after each lecture to view the stars.

WHO: MU astronomers and the general public

WHERE: 120 Physics Building, MU campus

WHEN: 7 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 5

NOTE: This event is free and open to the public. The Laws Observatory will be open if weather permits.