UC Berkeley Astronomer Dr. Alex Filippenko will present Why I Believe in the Big Bang: Evidence about the Origin of the Universe, an illustrated non-technical lecture Wednesday, April 10, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Smithwick Theater at Foothill College in Los Altos Hills. No science background is required and the lecture is appropriate for students age 13 and older. Admission is free and the public is invited to attend.

The Big Bang Theory sometimes gets attacked as having little evidence behind it. In his talk, Filippenko will discuss the strong evidence for the Big Bang, as well as recent modifications to the original theory. These include the idea of rapid inflation during the first moment of the universe's existence, and the notion that our universe may be just one small part of a grand "multi-verse."

Filippenko, who has been selected as the favorite teacher on campus several times by Berkeley students, is a rare combination of superb public lecturer and distinguished research scientist. He is one of the leaders of the teams that discovered the evidence for the accelerating universe-work that was hailed as the discovery of the year by Science Magazine. He is coauthor of an introductory textbook in astronomy and his video astronomy course has taught thousands of lay people about the wonders of the universe. Among his many honors, he is the current president of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific.

The lecture is presented as part of the 3rd Annual Silicon Valley Astronomy Lecture Series which is sponsored by Foothill College, NASA Ames Research Center, SETI Institute and Astronomical Society of the Pacific.

Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early to locate parking. Visitors must purchase a required campus parking permit for $2. Parking lots 1, 5, 6 and 7 provide easy access to the theater. From Interstate 280, exit El Monte Road and travel west.

For lecture information, access the Foothill Astronomy web site or call (650) 949-7888.