KEY POINTS:
The Universe is indeed a strange place, but that is no reason why mere mortals shouldn't try to - or can't - understand it.
This is the key message of Professor Frank Wilczek, the winner of the 2004 Nobel Prize for Physics, who will speak in Auckland tonight.
Professor Wilczek is in New Zealand for a two-lecture speaking tour in which he will attempt to unravel the mysteries of the Universe for an audience of non-scientists. The trick, he says, is humour, analogies and music and art.
"The lectures won't be threatening in any way. There won't be any quizzes. You can't fail. The worst thing that can happen is you feel mystified. Even so, you will have seen some pretty pictures and heard a few jokes," he said.
Professor Wilczek said the popularisation of hardcore science by eminent minds such as Stephen Hawking and Susan Greenfield is important for two reasons.
"It's important because we have very interesting things to tell the world, which people should know more about. It's their world. Even though our culture is based on science and technology, people don't take the opportunity to benefit as much as they can, or have fun, by understanding the world a bit better.
"Secondly, we ask for public support to build our machines, and if we expect a reasonable reception, then we need to pay our debt by telling people what we are up to and assure them we are not just building toys."
This is Professor Wilczek's first visit to New Zealand, but he says he has aspired to make the trip for many years, since his wife Betsy Devine, and daughters Amity and Mira made the trip in 1986 to see Halley's Comet.
"I've heard great things about New Zealand. My eldest daughter returned and spent almost a year here living on a farm. There's even been talk of her returning and living here. She's a great enthusiast."
Professor Wilczek is an acclaimed author, having written a number of books for both academic and mainstream audiences, including Longing for Harmonies, which he co-wrote with his wife Betsy, and which was named a New York Times Notable Book of the Year.
PUBLIC LECTURE
Who: Professor Frank Wilczek, Nobel winner for physics
What: The mysteries of the universe
When: 6pm tonight
Where: Sir Neil Waters auditorium at Massey University's Auckland campus in Albany
