When Galactic Tourism Goes Awry: Exploring New Suns

On January 28, join us to explore how cities might transform if Earth was a tourist destination for intergalactic travel.

an event poster, reads "when galactic tourism goes awry - january 28 at 8:00pm ET, livestream, featuring author Tobias S. Buckell and astrobiologist Graham Lau - part of the 'exploring new suns' series with Science Friday and Brooklyn Public Library" with an image of the author and the scientist on the right side

When Galactic Tourism Goes Awry: The Science of Tobias S. Buckell’s The Galactic Tourist Industrial Complex

  • When: Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 8:00 p.m. ET
  • Where: Science Friday’s Zoom Webinar
  • Tickets: Free! Registration required.

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Have you ever wondered how cities would transform if humanity was not only in contact with alien lifeforms, but Earth was a tourist destination for intergalactic travel? Or maybe you wonder about how humans and technology have coevolved, and will continue to do so?

Join speculative fiction author Tobias S. Buckell and astrobiologist Graham Lau as they explore the scientific topics in Buckell’s story, The Galactic Tourist Industrial Complex, featured in SciFri Book Club’s book choice, New Suns: Original Speculative Fiction by People of Color. You’ll even have a chance to ask a question to our guests!

Attendees are encouraged to read the story in advance, as we will include questions and thoughts from audience members! You can get the book from your local library or bookstore, or if you have a Brooklyn Public Library card or eCard, you can access to the ebook version of New Suns, or place a hold and checkout the physical book during Lobby Service hours.

Born in the Caribbean, Tobias S. Buckell is a New York Times Bestselling and World Fantasy Award winning author. His novels and almost one hundred stories have been translated into nineteen different languages. He has been nominated for the Hugo Award, Nebula Award, World Fantasy Award, and Astounding Award for Best New Science Fiction Author. He currently lives in Ohio.

Graham Lau is an astrobiologist and communicator of science. He serves as the Director of Communications and Marketing for Blue Marble Space and as the Director of Logistics for the University Rover Challenge. Dr. Lau also Hosts of the NASA Astrobiology show called “Ask an Astrobiologist”.

This program will be viewable post-event via Science Friday’s YouTube page.

This event will take place online via Zoom. Please RSVP to receive the Zoom link prior to the event.

By registering for this event, you will be subscribing to the Science Friday email list. You can unsubscribe at any time.

ABOUT “EXPLORING NEW SUNS”: Science Friday has partnered with Brooklyn Public Library to host a series of virtual events that focus on stories from New Suns: Original Speculative Fiction by People of Color, edited by Nisi Shawl. Each evening, we will discuss a story from New Suns, and the author will be joined by a scientist who can shed more light on the concepts explored. It’s SciArts magic streamed right into the comfort of your own space!


Meet the Writer

About Diana Plasker

Diana Plasker is the Experiences Manager at Science Friday, where she creates live events and partnerships to delight and engage audiences in the world of science.

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