Event 3: We Are All Made From Star Dust

 We Are All Made From Star Dust

Last week I attended the lecture event by Santiago Torres: “We are all made of stardust”.

Santiago Torres is an astrophysicist and UCLA ArtSci fellow who’s research holds focus on the  interactions of different celestial bodies, from stars to planets and comets.


Within the lecture, Torres emphasizes the phrase “we are all made of stardust” in which he explains his point as “At the end of the day we are all made of the same matter.” He introduces us with the idea of the Big Bang, which is a scientific theory describing the origins of the universe as a “big bang” or an explosion distributing all energy and matter throughout the universe. This theory explains that everything in the universe is made up of the same particles that emerged from the Big Bang. Torres highlights this connection between all matter in the universe.


Furthermore, Torres then introduces waves, which he describes as the “key to understanding the universe.” He explains how mechanical waves allow the perception of sound, and how electromagnetic waves allow the perception of light. He provides these explanations to bring us to his main point, sound and light are tools that astronomers use to investigate and further understand our universe. Movement and vibrations can be translated through mechanical waves, while temperature and light can be translated through electromagnetic waves. 


Torres emphasizes the pivotal role of scientific exploration in deepening our understanding of the universe and how both mechanical & electromagnetic waves can be used to expand our knowledge and appreciation for the world around us. Torres provides examples of how scientific/astronomical research has allowed for groundbreaking discoveries such as detection of atmospheric biosignatures, or signals of life from distant planets far from Earth, as well as detection of an atmospheric crisis within Earth.

By pointing out these life-changing scientific discoveries, Torres concludes his lecture by emphasizing the importance of continued research, and self-educating oneself about these important discoveries that can affect all of society. He shares his call for action, as scientific research has shown a clear image of our atmosphere being rapidly destroyed by societal activities. Torres explains the responsibility we all hold in protecting our planet and stresses the importance of staying informed. He urges individuals to avoid complacency and, with society having the privilege of science, to take meaningful actions in preserving our Earth. 


Sources

Vesna, Victoria. “Space + Art Lecture Part 2.” YouTube, 29 July 2013, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLZMDpoP-u0.
Vesna, Victoria. “Space + Art Lecture Part 4.” YouTube, 29 July 2013, https://youtu.be/J5ClKO6AJPo

TURNER, MICHAEL S. “ORIGIN OF THE UNIVERSE.” Scientific American, vol. 301, no. 3, 2009, pp. 36–43. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/26001524. Accessed 7 June 2024.


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