Past Events
October 19, 2011
Speaker: Eli Tziperman (Harvard)
Abstract: The glaciations of the Neoproterozoic Era (1,000 to 542 Myr BP) were
preceded by dramatically light 13C isotopic excursions preserved in
pre-glacial deposits. Standard explanations of these excursions
involve remineralization of isotopically light organic matter and
imply strong enhancement of atmospheric CO2 greenhouse gas
concentration, apparently inconsistent with the glaciations that
followed. We propose a scenario in which the isotopic signal, as well
October 18, 2011
Speaker: Dr. Eli Yablonovitch (University of California, Berkeley)
Abstract: The Shockley-Queisser (SQ) limit for a single junction solar cell efficiency is about 33.5% under the standard solar spectrum. Previously, the record had been stuck at 25.1% during 1990-2007. Why then the 8% descrepancy between the theoretical limit 33.5% versus the previously achieved efficiency?
October 17, 2011
Speaker: Dr. Paul Newman (NASA)
October 07, 2011
Speaker: Prof. Jacopo Buongiorno, Dr. Charles Forsberg, Dr. Jacquelyn Yanch
Can nuclear energy mitigate global warming and prevent fearful energy wars threatening the future of humanity? What about the limits of our ability to build plants robust to natural disasters? Come and hear what the experts tell us and engage in a lively debate.
Nuclear is a high-intensity energy source with a practically unlimited fuel
availability and a long record of excellent safety. The environmental benefits
October 06, 2011
Join members of the MIT Energy Club for a discussion about what will and what
should change about our relationship to nuclear power here in the U.S. after
the Fukushima disaster. Is that the same or different from what will/should
happen elsewhere? In this round-table discussion we will try to compile a set
of policy and technology recommendations for the path forward, and to better
understand the strengths and weaknesses of different policy options. A light
dinner will be served.