Ashland – The Ashland Documentary Film & Discussion Series will present a film, The Mechanical Universe: Inertia and Vectors (Part II), Tuesday, Dec. 23, from 7-9 p.m., in the Community Room of the Ashland Library, 66 Front St. Admission is free, and viewers are invited to stay for discussion. The film is sponsored by the Friends of the Ashland Library.
The December films are from the critically acclaimed series, The Mechanical Universe…and Beyond. The series demystifies physics by showing what it looks like. Inventive graphics illustrate abstract concepts while historical reenactments help trace the evolution of theories.
Copernicus conjectured that the earth spins on its axis and orbits the sun. However, for half a century after his death, Copernicus’ ideas drew little attention. Prior to Copernicus there was only one conceivable reference frame—the center of the earth. Galileo discovered there is no preferred reference frame. The newly developing science required non-spatial representation of new quantities such as displacement and velocity.
The Documentary Film & Discussion Series meets every 2nd Thursday and 4th Tuesday of the month for an in-depth look at important topics of our day. The moderated discussions are often lively and thought provoking. All points of view are welcomed. For more information, call the library at 508-881-0134 or visit www.friendsoftheapl.com.
