While the city awaits a space shuttle, NASA has brought in a full-scale model of their James Webb Space Telescope as part of the 2010 World Science Festival. This will be the world's most powerful spacescope, and its replica is currently on display at Battery Park. Columbia University physicist Brian Greene explains its power, saying, "We may be able to finally get an understanding of how galaxies form, how planets form, how stars form, in detail. Maybe we'll figure out the dark energy that we've learned is the fusion of the cosmos forcing space to expand." more ›

The World Science Festival, which is in its second year, is in full swing through Sunday, offers lectures, discussions, and even a street fair on Sunday that make science more accessible to the public. !@#$% Traffic: From Insects to Interstates asks if "marching ants, schooling fish, and herding wildebeests can teach us something about the morning commute?" while cast members of Battlestar Galactica joining leading robotocists to discuss a time when "intelligent machines are commonplace and cybernetic technology enhances human capabilities" in Battlestar Galactica: Cyborgs on the Horizon. We spoke to World Science Festival co-founder, Brian Greene, who is also professor of physics and mathematics at Columbia University (and author of The Elegant Universe), about the festivities. more ›

MUSIC: We hadn't heard a thing about The Carrots (pictured) until seeing their name listed as a part of Cake Shop's bill tonight. A listen to their MySpace confirmed these Austinites are just as good as their namesake. The group lists their moms and The Ronettes as influences; give a listen to their 60s sound and decide for yourself. more ›