Past Events
After Dark: Climate Change

Thursday, September 13, 2018 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

Data shows that our climate is changing. Find out how scientists know what they know, learn how to dive into the data for yourself, and consider three artists' responses to our shifting environment.

After Dark: Pets

Thursday, September 6, 2018 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

How do pets affect their humans? From mental health to microbiome, we are significantly altered by animals in our care. Explore the complex relationships between humans and our nonhuman companions at After Dark: Pets. And yes, there will be cute animals.

After Dark: A Herring Opera

Thursday, August 30, 2018 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

This film by Tessa Ellie Schmidt looks at the complicated, but beautiful flurry of activity that happens in Sitka, Alaska, each spring when herring arrive to spawn.

After Dark: Lasers

Thursday, August 23, 2018 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

In 1960, the laser was known as “a solution looking for a problem.” Now we can hardly imagine life without them. Learn what’s special about laser light, how it’s made, and how it’s used in everything from DVD players to eye surgery to fusion energy research.

After Dark

Thursday, August 16, 2018 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

Lose yourself in over 650 interactive exhibits exploring perception, art, and science at our adults-only After Dark. Grab your friends and a drink and get immersed in mind-bending experiences and unique, thought-provoking programs.

After Dark: Smoked Foods

Thursday, August 9, 2018 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

Join Sean Cusack, Lead Designer at Sheet Metal Alchemist, to explore the science behind smokers. Learn preparation techniques for smoking fish and beef brisket and discover the smoky secrets to mezcal while sipping an Última Palabra cocktail.

After Dark: Bounce

Thursday, August 2, 2018 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

Trampolines, pogo sticks, kids on road trips: bouncing isn’t just about jumping up and down but describes an object’s change in motion after encountering an obstacle. Rebound your curiosity in collisions at After Dark: Bounce.

 

After Dark: Heat and Temperature

Thursday, July 26, 2018 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

How does your thermostat work and how does a Thermos® know to keep a hot thing hot and a cold thing cold? The mysteries will be revealed in this talk.

After Dark: Gallium

Thursday, July 19, 2018 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

A soft metal that melts at temperatures above 86°F, gallium is mainly used in semiconductors and blue LEDs. Join Everything Matters host Ron Hipschman and U.C. Davis professor Srabanti Chowdhury to explore gallium’s reputation as the “silicon” of next generation electronics.

After Dark: Ice Cream

Thursday, July 12, 2018 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

People throughout the world have tinkered with different means of perfecting ice cream—especially here in San Francisco. Get the scoop on ice cream chemistry with Dr. Maya Warren at Pairings.

After Dark: Bling

Thursday, July 5, 2018 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

Explore different ways to make flashy displays at After Dark: Bling. Follow hip-hop history, make digital bling, learn how insects bedazzle themselves, and get into the art of making grillz, goldwork, and more.

After Dark: Fireworks and Sewn Scenarios

Thursday, June 28, 2018 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

Come ooooo and ahhhh at the science behind these big booms! Where do fireworks come from? Who invented them? What causes their beautiful colors, and how do the bursting shells create such different patterns? Join us for some real illumination, and learn the difference between a jerb and a lance. And watch sewing artist PNosa embroider your ideas on fabric.

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