Quincy Astronomy Club presents Thursday lecture on ‘Artificial Intelligence’s Future: For Better or Worse’

QUINCY — The Quincy Astronomy Club will present a lecture by Quincy resident John Baird at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 27, on the topic “Artificial Intelligence’s Future: For Better or Worse.”

Wikipedia says Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the capability of computational systems to perform tasks typically associated with human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving, perception and decision-making. It is a field of research in computer science that develops and studies methods and software that enable machines to perceive their environment and use learning and intelligence to take actions that maximize their chances of achieving defined goals.

Baird will share various expert opinions about how helpful AI is and what potential improvements or catastrophic situations it might lead to. He will include AI’s impact on astronomy and space sciences. Audience participation is appreciated.

Baird has a degree from Western Illinois University in physics education and a masters in science from the University of Colorado and taught physics at Quincy High School and John Wood Community College.

The Astronomy Club was formed by local amateur astronomers and seeks to teach, explore, and expand minds about space and our universe. Lectures are held monthly, usually on the last Thursday of the month. The club holds monthly evening observing sessions. These are scheduled as weather and observing conditions permit. Local amateurs with their telescopes guide the observing sessions.

Lecture Room D022/D023 is on the lower north-end of Building D in the rear. You can enter either door C2 or the door marked Paul Heath Building.

For more information, contact Susan Asher 217-653-5074 or asherte@yahoo.com.