Title: Will the World End in 2012?
Abstract: An increasing number of people believe that December 21, 2012 will mark the end of the world. Proponents of this idea cite diverse astronomical reasons for an imminent apocalypse: the end of the Mayan long-count calendar; an alignment between the Solar System and the Milky Way; the solar sunspot cycle reaching an all-time high; the reversal of the Earth's magnetic field; and a devastating collision with 'Planet X'. Tune in to hear to the facts and controversy surrounding this purported impending disaster.
Bio: Cameron Hummels is pursuing a PhD in astronomy at Columbia University, where he researches disk galaxy formation and evolution using hydrodynamic simulations. As Columbia Astronomy's Public Outreach Director and NASA's IYA New York State Student Ambassador, Cameron organizes many events to bring astronomy to the masses of New York City. Initially interested in programming, Cameron earned a B.A. in computer science from Pomona College, changing course after graduation to pursue an M.A. in astronomy at Wesleyan University. Outside of astronomy, Cameron enjoys travel, hiking, cycling, and foreign languages. He plans to become an astronaut.