Amazing aerogel subject of Tracy presentation

"Aerogels: The Materials Science of Empty Space" will be presented by LLNL scientist Alex Gash and Tracy teacher Ellen Rocco, on Nov. 14. This is the last of two sessions of the Lab's popular "Science on Saturday" lecture series presented in Tracy this year.

Aerogels are a class of materials with fascinating properties, but they are hardly materials at all as they can be composed of up to 99.8 percent empty space. They exhibit the lowest density, thermal conductivity, refractive index and sound velocity of any bulk solid. Aerogels are among the most versatile materials available for technical applications due to their wide variety of exceptional properties. This material has chemists, physicists, astronomers, and materials scientists utilizing its properties in myriad applications.

In this lecture you will learn about the structure, properties and advanced applications of aerogels. The presenters may even make some during the talk.

The lecture will start at 9:30 a.m. and will be presented at the Grand Theater, 715 Central Ave., Tracy.

"Science on Saturday" is a series of science lectures for middle and high school students. Each topic highlights cutting-edge science occurring at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). The talks are presented by leading Lab science researchers supported by master high school science teachers.

Admission is free. Seating is on a first-come basis. Seats may not be reserved in advance. Seating is limited, so come early to ensure that you will find a seat.

For more information and directions, go to the Science on Saturday Website.

Livermore to host workshops on BART extension

The City of Livermore is hosting a series of workshops to discuss BART Station Area Planning. The workshops will feature presentations and opportunities to share ideas about the planning of potential BART stations in Livermore.

The workshops will be held from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 10, and Jan. 21, at The Shrine Center, 170 Lindbergh Ave., Livermore. For more information see the flier.