In 1928, British physicist Paul Dirac wrote down an equation that combined quantum theory and special relativity to describe the behaviour of an electron moving at a relativistic speed. But the equation posed a problem: just as the equation x2=4 can have two possible solutions (x=2 or x=-2), so Dirac's equation could have two solutions, one for an electron with positive energy, and one for an electron with negative energy. But classical physics (and common sense) dictated that the energy of a particle must always be a positive number. Dirac interpreted the equation to mean that for every particle there exists a corresponding antiparticle, exactly matching the particle but with opposite charge. In his 1933 Nobel lecture, Dirac explained how he arrived at this conclusion and speculated on the existence of a completely new universe made out of antimatter.

About a century later, Canberra luminaries Brass Knuckle Brass Band will launch their new album at Smith's Alternative. The album and first track are called Antimatter "because it sounds cool".

Come celebrate scientific progress with two sets of horn-honking funk, jazz, New Orleans and club-inspired tunes.

Brass Knuckle Brass Band is a sweaty late-night party for anyone who knows a sousaphone is always tougher than a bass guitar. Think whiskey dripping from trombone spit-valves; think drummers with callouses on their callouses. Think a crusty bari sax belting at Bourbon Street from the wrong hemisphere and you're getting the idea. First thrown together for a one-off Wednesday night jazz gig, BKBB has played at Falls Festival and Woodford Folk Festival, and has opened for international heavyweights Jon Cleary, Charles Bradley and Fred Wesley.