Origins Project thinks big in event on our existence: Are there other universes?

The Origins Project at Arizona State University is kicking off a celebration of five years of its existence with a top-level discussion of our existence. On Saturday, Feb. 1, the Origins Project will convene a panel of renowned physicists and cosmologists to discuss the nature of the universe and the possibilities of a multiverse in "The Great Debate Parallel Realities: Probing Fundamental Physics."

Nobel Laureates Frank Wilczek, David Gross and Brain Schmidt, as well as esteemed scientists Wendy Freedman, Maria Spiropulu and ASU’s Lawrence Krauss, will be on hand for what literally will be an out-of-this-world conversation.

"The Great Debate Parallel Realities: Probing Fundamental Physics" will be held at 7 p.m., Feb. 1, 2014 at Gammage Auditorium. Tickets for the event are now on sale at ASU’s Gammage Box Office. The first 1,500 tickets are free (two per person) to those presenting a valid ASU ID (quantities are limited and restrictions apply) at the ASU Gammage Box Office only.

“We live in one universe. But is it unique? How can we find out if it is unique and, if so, what determines its makeup and structure at a fundamental level?” asks Lawrence Krauss, Origins project director. “These issues touch on the forefront of particle physics and cosmology, from the Large Hadron Collider to the edges of the visible universe. This panel includes the leading scientists and thinkers working at both of these frontiers to discuss how we can probe the fundamental fabric of reality. Hang on to your hats.”

Krauss added that the Parallel Realities Great Debate is the kickoff for a series of events celebrating the first five years of the Origins Project. Additional Origins events are scheduled for early April 2014.

Krauss elaborated on the makeup of the 2014 programs, which highlight the new Origins themes that will guide the program for the coming years – Cosmos, Quarks to the Universe; Worlds, Planets to Cells; Complex Systems, Cells to Society; and The Future, Beyond Technology. 

“I am incredibly excited by the program we are putting together this year, leading up to a gala fifth anniversary celebration in April,” Krauss said. “We also wanted to reach a broader audience and encourage students to experience the events, so we were able to ensure that the first 1,500 tickets were free to all those with ASU ID’s for all Origins events this year.”

Tickets for the Origins Project's Great Debate: Parallel Realities are available online through Ticketmaster.com and at the ASU Gammage Box Office, (480) 965-3434. Discounted student tickets are available with a student ID at the Gammage Box Office.

For more information on Origins events, go to www.origins.asu.edu, or call (480) 965-0053.