With all of the mystique and panic surrounding the year 2012, perhaps it's time to gain a little academic clarity on the matter. This week, the Rochester Museum and Science Center "Science on the Edge" lecture series continues with Anthony Aveni, Colgate professor of astronomy and Native American studies, who will speak on "The End of Time: The Maya Mystery of 2012."

Aveni's Maya talk takes place Wednesday, February 1, at 7:30 p.m., at RMSC (657 East Ave.), and will explore the various theories and predictions that December 21, 2012 marks the end of the world as we know it, and speculate on why American pop culture is obsessive about cataclysmic events.

RMSC's 2012 "Science on the Edge" lecture series kicked off last week with UR professor Adam Frank's discussion, "Twilight of the Big Bang: Revolutions in Human and Cosmic Time." The series will continue with subjects ranging from extreme storm chasing to Madagascar's vanishing ecosystems. Single lecture tickets are $15 for adults, $8 for students, with a $1 discount for members. For more information, call 697-1942 or visit rmsc.org.