Dark Matter and Black Holes
🌌 What if most of the universe is invisible — and we can prove it?
Everything we can see—stars, planets, galaxies, and even ourselves—makes up only a small fraction of the cosmos. The rest appears to be dominated by mysterious forces we cannot directly observe.
In this mind-bending lecture, Stefano Profumo, Professor of Physics at the University of California, Santa Cruz, explores two of the greatest mysteries in modern astrophysics: dark matter and black holes. Dark matter acts as the unseen scaffolding holding galaxies together, yet scientists still don’t know what it actually is. Black holes, meanwhile, are regions where gravity becomes so extreme that not even light can escape—and where the laws of physics begin to break down.
Drawing on research in particle physics and cosmology, Profumo unpacks what scientists know, what remains deeply puzzling, and why these two cosmic mysteries may be more connected than they first appear. 🌌🕳️
📵 A No-Phone Lecture 📵
This event is a special one: we are asking attendees not to use their phones during the duration of the event (7-9pm). After you check in, we will ask you to turn your phone off and slip it into an envelope provided at the door. We won’t take your phone or lock it away, but the goal is to create a space where we can all be present together, listening and thinking without distractions.
If you’d like to take notes, please make sure to bring a journal. If you forget, we will have journals and pens available for purchase at the event. This is your chance to experience ideas and conversation the old-fashioned way, fully in the moment.
🕰 Event Details
What should I expect?
7:00-7:35 --> arrival & chats
7:35-8:20 --> lecture
8:20-9:00 --> q&a and more chatting
Who's invited?
Anyone with an interest in learning new things, meeting new people, and doing fun things on weeknights! Lots of people came solo to our last event, so don't be afraid to do the same—you’ll meet some awesome people!
What about parking?
There's no parking on-site, so we recommend street parking or using public transportation.
Do I have to be 21+?
No :) This venue is open to all ages. If you'd like to purchase alcohol, you must be 21+ and present a valid ID.
Will this event be photographed or recorded?
Photos and short video clips may be taken for promotional purposes. By attending, you consent to being photographed or recorded. We do not do full recordings of lectures at this time.
🔔 Stay in the Loop
I can't make it to this event. How do I stay updated for future events?
📧 Join our mailing list
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How do I become a speaker?
Fill out this form and we'll reach out to you if we think your lecture is a good fit! 👉 Speaker form
🧾 Policies
The lecture is sold out! Can I join a waitlist?
Unfortunately, Luma does NOT support waitlists for paid events yet. We recommend checking back on the event site the day before / the day of the event! Attendees are likely to drop out.
What about refunds?
You can refund your ticket up to 24 hours before the event starts. Since this is a limited-space event, we encourage you to update your RSVP if you can’t make it—this helps us keep spots open for others. NOTE - you do NOT need to email us for a refund, we will issue one within 48 hours upon changing your RSVP to "Not Going" :)
What about the ticket structure?
We’re proud to pay all of our incredible venues and hardworking speakers, and the rest supports the Big Brain team so we can keep bringing community lectures to the Bay Area.
We also reserve a handful of financial assistance tickets for every lecture. If you need support, please email [email protected]
What about accessibility?
We want our lectures to be as accessible as possible. Accessibility can vary depending on the space, so please research our specific venue to learn more about things like wheelchair access and service animal policies. If you have any accessibility needs not covered here, please email us at [email protected] and we’ll do our best to support you.
What about email updates?
By registering for this event, you’ll be added to the Big Brain mailing list and receive occasional updates about future lectures and events. You can unsubscribe at any time.
🧠 Community Guidelines
Big Brain events are designed to be welcoming, curious, and respectful spaces for learning and connection.
By attending, you agree to treat speakers, staff, venue employees, and fellow attendees with respect and to follow all venue rules and staff instructions.
Harassment, disruptive behavior, or excessive intoxication will not be tolerated. For the safety and comfort of everyone, Big Brain and the venue reserve the right to refuse entry or remove any attendee at any time, without refund, if behavior is deemed unsafe, disruptive, or disrespectful.
🍸 Alcohol & Safety
Depending on the venue, alcohol may be sold and served exclusively by the venue in accordance with California law. Big Brain is not responsible or liable for alcohol service, overconsumption, or any actions resulting from intoxication. By attending, you voluntarily assume all risks associated with a public indoor event and agree that you are solely responsible for your own conduct, safety, and transportation before, during, and after the event.
Thanks for supporting our growing mission! 🧠✨
*For any other questions or special accommodations, please email [email protected].