Calendars, sunspots and planning for 2013 will be discussed by St. Lawrence University Professor of Physics Aileen O’Donoghue at the next Science Cafe at Jack & Wezzie's Coffee House in Potsdam this Wednesday, March 10, at 7:30 p.m.

In describing her presentation, O’Donoghue says, "In recent years, Hollywood and doomsday enthusiasts alike have posed the question, 'Will the world end on December 21, 2012, as the Mayan calendar predicts?' According to some theorists, the winter solstice will line up with the line to the center of the galaxy, causing solar storms that will threaten our civilization, reversing the Earth’s magnetic field and aligning the planets as the solar system plunges into the center of the galaxy."

O’Donoghue will investigate what astronomers really expect of 2012 in an attempt to convince you not to cash out your 401k for one last fling before it all ends.

Science Cafes bring together engineers, scientists and townspeople in a relaxed, informal setting, such as coffeehouses and pubs. The speaker makes a short presentation about a topic in his or her field, and then opens up the floor to discussion.

Be sure to arrive early to get a good seat, or to place your food or drink order.

Find out more about Clarkson's Science Cafe at http://www.clarkson.edu/sciencecafe.

E-mail Daniel ben-Avraham at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with any questions or suggestions for future Science Cafe topics.