Math Encounters
Math Encounters is MoMath’s popular free public presentation series celebrating the spectacular world of mathematics, produced with support from Simons Foundation International. For further information, call the National Museum of Mathematics at 212-542-0566 or email mathencounters@momath.org.
Upcoming presentation
“Explosive Data: the math of measuring fiery hot and lightning fast detonations”
featuring Aaron Luttman
Wednesday, December 6
Presentations at 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm
(in person)
Explosions are extreme environments, where the temperatures can get so hot that a thermometer would instantly melt and the debris would blast so fast that few cameras would even see it. To understand the science of explosions, however, temperature and particle velocity are essential information, so we have to come up with clever, indirect ways to measure these quantities. In this interactive discussion, we will explore how mathematical modeling allows us to design systems for measuring temperature, from the cold outside to the heat of your oven to the extreme temperatures in an explosion, and for measuring speed, from the radar gun that catches your car speeding up to advanced laser systems for measuring the speed of blast debris. Join Aaron Luttman, Senior Technical Advisor at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, for an explosively engaging evening of math and modeling.
Special introduction by Tim Chartier, Professor of Mathematics, Davidson College, and MoMath 2022-2023 Distinguished Visiting Professor for the Public Dissemination of Mathematics.
Math Encounters is MoMath’s popular free public presentation series celebrating the spectacular world of mathematics, produced with support from Simons Foundation International. Light refreshments will be served.
Register to attend in person
Photography notice
By registering for a Math Encounters presentation, you acknowledge that you may be photographed or videotaped by Museum staff and associates and agree to abide by the MoMath General Policies for Events and Photograph Release.
Books by the speakers
We are happy to offer books edited or authored by Math Encounters speakers through our online shop.
Math Encounters available on YouTube and DVD
Math Encounters presentations are generally posted to our YouTube page within one to two months of filming. Due to copyright issues, some presentations may not be reproduced on the internet. Presentations posted online are also available for purchase via our online shop. Click here to purchase yours today!
Presented by Simons Foundation International and the National Museum of Mathematics.
Please note that all children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.