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Far out! Comic Science from Outer Space 

Have you always wondered what an alien scientist looks like and what their science might be? An astronomer and a pop culture scholar interested in the cultural meanings of science will introduce you to the spaced-out science from outer space in Tim Burton's Mars Attacks! The discussion following the film will look at the popular image of science in space cinema, our cultural fascination with clowns and scientists in space stories, and why it matters to study all this. 

Speakers: Dr Anna-Sophie Jürgens (CPAS) and Dr Brad Tucker (CPAS/Mt Stromlo Observatory) 

Anna-Sophie Jürgens is a Lecturer in Popular Entertainment Studies at the Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science (ANU). Her research explores the cultural meanings of science. 

Brad Tucker is an Astrophysicist/Cosmologist. He’s leading programs using the NASA’s Kepler Space Telescope and TESS to understand why and how stars blow up. He’s also building a network of ultraviolet telescopes in the upper atmosphere and a search to find Planet 9.  He is also interested in how science fiction increases awareness, inspiration, and knowledge of these topics.