Starmus Takes Off: The Most Ambitious All-Star Festival in Science

LONDON, July 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

• The Starmus Festival announces a supreme line-up featuring the biggest names in science today including Stephen Hawking, Brian May and Richard Dawkins
• The Canary Islands is the chosen setting for the only festival in the world that brings together Nobel prize-winners, astronauts, astrophysicists, biologists and anthropologists
• The Canary Islands confirms its place as THE location of choice for astrophysicists worldwide thanks to its advantageous geographical location and the astrophysical observation and research conducted there
• Takes place 22 to 27 September 2014

The final programme for the second edition of the Starmus Festival was announced today bristling with the world's keenest and controversial minds in science. Starmus 2014 confirms that for five days in September the Canary Islands will be the focus of the international scientific community's attention, as scientists of the highest international prestige will be in attendance.

Stephen Hawking, Richard Dawkins, Nobel Laureates, particle physicists, astrophysicists and Apollo astronauts will be discussing the origins of the universe, destructive near Earth impacts and more. The series of presentations will be supported by music performances from stars Brian May and Rick Wakeman. This combination of science and art makes this a one-of-a-kind event in science buffs and music fans can connect with each other and the stars.

Director of Starmus, Garik Israelian, comments: "This second edition surpasses all of the original ambition of the first. Science and music fans will find it incredibly engaging as we tackle the big astrophysical topics of the moment. This has been one of the most important goals for The Starmus Festival 2014; to encourage astronomy fans to join us and make the most of a unique opportunity to meet world-renowned experts. Bringing these names together in the Canary Islands makes this festival even more special."

All speakers will tackle topics from their areas of expertise. "Tentative taxonomy of extra-terrestrial life" by Richard Dawkins; "The dark side of the Moon" by Charlie Duke; "Why didn't the Soviet Union send a man to the moon?" by Alexei Leonov are just some of highlights.

In addition, Stephen Hawking will speak on two occasions covering: "The origin of the Universe" and "Black Holes".

Any fans that wish to register for tickets to this celestial shindig can register here: http://www.starmus.com/en/register and find further details on a 15% flight discount for Starmus attendees with Iberia.

More information at http://www.starmus.com

SOURCE Starmus Festival 2014 and Promotur Turismo Islas Canarias (Canary Islands Tourism Board)