The Science of Science Fiction with Dr. Frederick Walter

Have you ever looked at the transporter in Star Trek or the rotating, artificial gravity spaceship in 2001: A Space Odyssey and wondered “Is that actually possible?” We have all been enthralled by the imaginings of Arthur C. Clarke, Isaac Asimov, Robert Heinlein, Gene Roddenbury, Jules Verne and so many others who have foreshadowed future science. History is full of “fiction” that later became reality, like hand-held communication devices, tablets, and space satellites. But the term “science fiction” is a misnomer in that it is generally not fiction about science. The genre is more appropriately titled “speculative fiction” since authors are free to speculate about what might have been, what is, and what might be. When these speculations are carried out subject to the constraints of physical law, we have what is called “Hard Science Fiction.” This lecture will delight all who appreciate the so-called “sci-fi” genre as they will discover what might have been, what is, and what might yet be subject to the constraints of physical law. 

After the lecture, weather permitting, in-person attendees will enjoy stargazing by telescope with Hamptons Observatory astronomers. Feel free to bring your own telescope.

Dr. Frederick Walter is an observational astronomer. He was a professor of Astronomy at Stony Brook University (SBU) since 1989 and has been Professor Emeritus since December 2025. He has a Bachelor of Science in Physics from MIT, received his PhD in Astronomy from the University of California at Berkeley, and spent eight years as a postdoc at the University of Colorado at Boulder. He was a member of the Instrument Development Team of the Goddard High Resolution Spectrograph, one of the first-generation science instruments on the Hubble Space Telescope. He has also observed with other space telescopes, including the International Ultraviolet Explorer. His research interests include galactic novae, the formation of low mass stars, the birth and death of stars, and stellar magnetic activity (stellar weather). Dr. Walter was formerly a member of the Board of Directors of the Associated Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) and is the Stony Brook representative to the Astronomical Society of New York. 

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Hamptons Observatory, a 501(c)(3) New York State nonprofit, has served the community since 2005 and operates exclusively through public support. It is dedicated to fostering interest in science with an emphasis on astronomy. In addition to our observatory (which needs to be replaced and for which we're now fundraising), we offer public programs free of charge so that everyone has the opportunity to learn about and enjoy the wonders of the universe. We don't even charge membership dues. Instead, we rely exclusively on (and deeply appreciate) donations from individuals such as you. We also offer private star parties (for a contribution). If you enjoy our programs and believe in our mission, please make a tax-deductible donation now by going to https://bit.ly/HO-Zeffy  For further information about us or to join our mailing list, please visit our website:

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