ECC speaker to explain science behind superheroes

Wouldn't it be cool if Spider-Man's web swinging abilities were actually possible?

And what if someone could fly faster than a speeding bullet, like Superman?

Physicist James Kakalios will break down just how the principles of physics work in superhero movies in his presentation, "The Science of Superheroes," Tuesday at Elgin Community College.

David Zacker, ECC humanities professor, said Kakalios' talk is part of a larger speakers' series aimed at bridging the gap between science and humanities.

"He would take a superpower or something that a superhero has and then examine the science behind that," Zacker said. "What kind of power would it take? What would happen if we could do these things? One of his goals is to talk about the practical applications of science."

Kakalios served as a science consultant for the superhero film "Watchmen," upon the request of the National Academy of Sciences. In 2009, he filmed the short video, "Science of Watchmen," discussing how quantum mechanics can explain Dr. Manhattan's superhuman powers in the film. The video has been viewed more than 1.8 million times on YouTube and won an Upper Midwest Regional Emmy award.

Kakalios also provided consulting for "Green Lantern" and "The Amazing Spider-Man." He has given physics talks at the U.S. Library of Congress, the Edinburgh International Book Festival, and Comic-Con International in San Diego.

Zacker said though he himself doesn't have a superhero fascination, he is curious about the space-time implications of traveling at the speed of light.

"I'm not trying to come up with the ability to fly, as cool as that would be," he joked.

Zacker said Kakalios talks about materials scientists have developed to mimic spider webs "that would allow Spider-Man to do what he does."

"His presentation style is interesting, too," Zacker said. "He is entertaining. He's got a great sense of humor and that comes out in his talks. The audience responds to him."

The presentation is free and open to the public. It will be held from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. in ECC's Building G Spartan Auditorium, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.

Kakalios will be autographing books at the event. He has written popular science books including, "The Physics of Superheroes," "The Physics of Superheroes: Spectacular Second Edition," and "The Amazing Story of Quantum Mechanics."

For more information about, ECC's Humanities Center events, visit ecchumanities.org.