Event at YSU focuses on the life of Einstein

STAFF REPORT

YOUNGSTOWN — Youngstown State University’s celebration of the International Year of Astronomy will focus on the life of Albert Einstein — physicist, philosopher and humanitarian.

The program begins with a presentation by Pat Durrell, assistant professor of physics and astronomy, at 8 p.m. today on some of Einstein’s greatest scientific discovers and how they still influence physics and astronomy today. The free program will be offered in the Ward Beecher Planetarium.

Part two of the presentation will be at 8 p.m. Wednesday in the planetarium and will feature Don Howard, a philosophy professor at the University of Notre Dame and a renowned Einstein scholar. He will presents aspects of Einstein’s complex personal life, his philosophy, and his influence on the world at large.

Other International Year of Astronomy events at YSU:

April 2, 1 to 2:30 p.m.: “Space Observations: Past, Present & Future,” a live webcast discussing Galileo and the importance of space observations throughout history.

April 3: 100 Hours of Astronomy, includes planetarium shows at 7 and 8:30 p.m. and telescope observation opportunities for the public on the YSU campus starting at 8 p.m.

April 4, noon to 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. to midnight: Global Star Party offers the public opportunities for daytime and nighttime telescope viewing with assistance from YSU faculty, staff, students and members of the Mahoning Valley Astronomical Society. Planetarium shows also featured at 7 and 8:30 p.m.

Sept. 25 and 26, 8 p.m.: “The Star Seeker,” a live stage presentation about Galileo’s life, written and directed by YSU student David Munnell and produced jointly by the YSU Department of Theater and Dance and the Planetarium.