In search of now: The mystery and science of the present moment
The Royal Institution of Great Britain , 21 Albemarle Street , London, W1S 4BS
In search of now: The mystery and science of the present moment
21 Albemarle Street , London, W1S 4BS
Description
What is Now? It seems simple. The immediate moment, what we’re experiencing this instant, bathes us like air, or gravity. It is our connection with the world. Yet when we try to grasp it and analyse the phenomenon of the present, it vanishes.
According to the most trusted models of physics, Now doesn’t exist at all, and neuroscience suggests that it’s merely a convincing hallucination. But if there’s no such thing as Now, where does our feeling of "nowness" come from? What shapes the flow of events and sensations that we perceive - and is this really just an illusion?
Best-selling science writer Jo Marchant will take you on a grand tour of the latest thinking in cosmology, quantum mechanics, psychology, and neuroscience to tackle these questions and explore the fundamental essence of time.
How To Get Your Tickets
1. Book your desired number of tickets and await an email from us confirming your order. This is NOT a ticket.
2. Present your confirmation on arrival at the venue. Ensure that you take personal ID with you or you may be turned away
Pricing Information
• There is the option to book Free Tickets with £5 Donation + TFG booking fees. The full £5 donation goes straight to the Royal Institution to continue their excellent scientific education work.
Additional Information
• Doors open: 6:45pm | Event starts: 7pm
• Copies of Jo Marchant's book, 'In Search of Now: The Science and Mystery of the Present Moment', will be available for purchase after the talk
• For further event information, please visit here
Accessibility Information
• Please note: We recommend, where you have specific access requirements, bookings are made directly through the event organiser, however, we are here to assist where possible. Please get in touch with us prior to booking if you have access requirements. For accessibility information, please visit here
Key Terms of Sale
• Tickets are non-refundable / non-exchangeable
• Tickets cannot be resold or transferred
• The account holder must be in attendance at the event
These are the key terms. Full terms apply and are available here
Genre
Dates & times
Monday, 22 Jun 2026 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Important information - please read
What is Now? It seems simple. The immediate moment, what we’re experiencing this instant, bathes us like air, or gravity. It is our connection with the world. Yet when we try to grasp it and analyse the phenomenon of the present, it vanishes.
According to the most trusted models of physics, Now doesn’t exist at all, and neuroscience suggests that it’s merely a convincing hallucination. But if there’s no such thing as Now, where does our feeling of "nowness" come from? What shapes the flow of events and sensations that we perceive - and is this really just an illusion?
Best-selling science writer Jo Marchant will take you on a grand tour of the latest thinking in cosmology, quantum mechanics, psychology, and neuroscience to tackle these questions and explore the fundamental essence of time.
How To Get Your Tickets
1. Book your desired number of tickets and await an email from us confirming your order. This is NOT a ticket.
2. Present your confirmation on arrival at the venue. Ensure that you take personal ID with you or you may be turned away
Pricing Information
• There is the option to book Free Tickets with £5 Donation + TFG booking fees. The full £5 donation goes straight to the Royal Institution to continue their excellent scientific education work.
Additional Information
• Doors open: 6:45pm | Event starts: 7pm
• Copies of Jo Marchant's book, 'In Search of Now: The Science and Mystery of the Present Moment', will be available for purchase after the talk
• For further event information, please visit here
Accessibility Information
• Please note: We recommend, where you have specific access requirements, bookings are made directly through the event organiser, however, we are here to assist where possible. Please get in touch with us prior to booking if you have access requirements. For accessibility information, please visit here
Key Terms of Sale
• Tickets are non-refundable / non-exchangeable
• Tickets cannot be resold or transferred
• The account holder must be in attendance at the event
These are the key terms. Full terms apply and are available here
Genre
Tickets
You may purchase a maximum of 4 tickets for this event.Location
The Royal Institution of Great Britain
21 Albemarle Street
London
W1S 4BS