Press Release, 17.11.2025

On 25 November, the Yabloko party’s central office in Moscow will host a lecture by Sergei Popov, astrophysicist and Professor of the Russian Academy of Sciences: “Why do we need astronomy?”. The audience will be able not only to receive a detailed answer to the lecture’s key question, but also to participate in discussion.

People from all walks of life often have reasonable questions about the necessity of one or another fundamental science, especially if it seems that the science is far from “everyday” needs. This can include theories of gravity, philosophy of law, astrophysics and much else. “In my view, detailed answers must be given to such questions. Moreover, not just once, as the state of affairs both in science and in society changes,” says the author of the upcoming lecture, Sergei Popov.

“In the lecture I will try to present my version of the answer to the question ‘Why do we need astronomy?'” he explains. “To put it briefly, the non-trivial part of the answer is as follows: for the development of a knowledge-intensive economy, people with one or another scientific background, including astrophysical, are necessary. I hope the answer seems strange enough to intrigue you and motivate you to come to the lecture. Perhaps also to argue with me.”

To attend Sergei Popov’s lecture on 25 November, advance registration is required.

Participation in the event is free; the venue address is: Yabloko office in Moscow, Pyatnitskaya 31, bldg 2.