Past Events
After Dark: Trick of the Hand, Caffeine, and Sewn Scenarios

Thursday, June 14, 2018 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

Join artists Tristan Duke and Richard Tuohy for a conversation and film screenings. Get a deeper understanding of how caffeine affects the human nervous system and shapes behavior. And watch sewing artist PNosa embroider your ideas on fabric.

After Dark: Today's World of Tomorrow

Thursday, June 7, 2018 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

Explore emergent ideas and future artifacts at tonight’s After Dark, such as robots, self-driving cars, cancer treatments, gene editing, and San Francisco’s evolving cityscape. And watch sewing artist PNosa embroider your ideas on fabric.

After Dark: Sewn Scenarios

Thursday, May 31, 2018 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

Think of any scenario. Put it into five words or less. Now watch as artist PNosa interprets your words and uses a sewing machine to draw the resulting image on fabric.

After Dark: Sound and Sewn Scenarios

Thursday, May 24, 2018 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

What is sound? How high a pitch can you hear? Can you measure the speed of sound with a yardstick? Can two sounds add up to no sound? Explore these questions and more in this resonant presentation. And watch sewing artist PNosa embroider your ideas on fabric.

After Dark: Maker Faire Edition and Copper

Thursday, May 17, 2018 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

Join us for Maker Faire activities and demonstrations. Malleable, conductive copper enabled the Bronze Age and is an essential element for life. Explore its significance with host Ron Hipschman and environmental scientist Seira Ashley Adams, who’ll share its chemical role in spiders. 
After Dark: Five-Second Rule

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

The kitchen can be a haven—for you and, if you’re not careful, for microbes that are hazardous to your health. Get the truth about food safety from Chef Loretta Keller and Exploratorium Senior Scientist Julie Yu at Pairings.
After Dark: Boundaries

Thursday, May 3, 2018 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

How close is too close? Whether a cell membrane or a line in the sand, boundaries help define where one ends and others begin. Test the influence of dividing lines on everything from bubbles to public bathrooms.
After Dark: SOFIA—Reflections on the Universe from 40,000 Feet and Mirrors

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

Why do you see yourself in reverse when you look at yourself in a mirror? Why are you not upside down? Exploratorium scientist Ron Hipschman reveals the physics behind mirrors and reflects on fascinating aspects of their construction and applications. And join SOFIA scientists to learn about mirrors used in telescopes, especially the 100-inch mirror on board SOFIA.
After Dark: LIVE with the InSight Lander Roadshow and Videons

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

Join a live stream with NASA/JPL scientists to learn about the InSight Lander's mission to Mars. Also, enjoy a screening and conversation with pioneering video artist Steve Beck about his work, vision, and the convergence of art and technology.
After Dark: Fish Sauce

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

Follow tales of innovation and globalization with Stanford linguist Dan Jurafsky at Pairings, from southern Chinese ke-tchup  through Indonesian kejap to American ketchup, by way of Japanese sushi—with a stop at the invention of the cocktail.
After Dark: Sneaky

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

Evolution is often referred to as “the survival of the fittest.” And being fit can mean being clever, resourceful, or even downright sneaky. Explore the stealthy side of lock picking, card counting, magic tricks, biomimicry, and more.
After Dark: Baby & The Luvies

Thursday, March 29, 2018 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

Baby & The Luvies is an original, high-energy, soul-inspired dance band. This ten-piece group will move you with strong female vocals and high-impact horn arrangements echoing the sounds of retro good times. 

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