Petrov Day Ceremony (TODAY)

This is a last-minute event happening today (Thursday).

Today is September 26th, Petrov Day, celebrated to honor the deed of Stanislav Yevgrafovich Petrov on September 26th, 1983. Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, take a minute to not destroy the world.

Eliezer Yudkowsky, 2007

Every year for the past 5-6 years, I and some friends meet to honor Petrov Day.

We take in turns to read aloud from a booklet by Jim Babcock about the past and future of scientific progress — the good it has done, the damage it has wrought, and the hopes and fears for the future — while lighting candles.

The ritual lasts about an hour.

You are invited to come to Lighthaven to do this small ceremony to celebrate Stanislav Petrov’s actions. Afterwards we’ll have dinner.

If you come, we’ll do it together, and if enough people come we’ll split into multiple groups and spread around campus.

I hope to see some of you here.