The beginning of the universe is at the top; the "present day" at the bottom of this graphic showing the evolution of the cosmos. Click to embiggen.
The universe is changing. No, really. If this comes as a surprise because it seems like the stars are unchanging in the heavens or the seasons come along one right after the other, then step back and take a longer view at the bigger picture. The universe has been changing ever since it began some 13.7 (or so) billion years ago. It grows. It evolves. Stars are born. They die. Their stuff gets scattered out to interstellar space and eventually it gets recycled into more stars or planets (if there’s enough stuff left over after the stars form). Stars commingle to form huge stellar cities called galaxies. Galaxies wheel through space, sometimes alone, sometimes merging and interacting in beautiful long-term dances that change their shapes forever.
On our planet, things have been changing ever since the place formed. The same goes for the life that thrives on Earth. Ever since it formed, it’s been changing and evolving. That’s the nature of physical systems. They change and evolve. That’s the way the universe works. And, good thing that it does.
A static universe would be a boring one, just as static political systems or educational systems or belief systems would be boring. if nothing ever changed, what would be the point of living? Of loving? Of searching out meaning in the cosmos? It would also be an impossibility.
The physical nature of things mandates change, and it doesn’t matter whether you “believe” in it or not. The universe of physical systems doesn’t care what anybody believes in. It’s independent of belief. It happens whether you like it or not.
So, the role of science (and you knew I was gonna get to this point) is to help us understand that change. To apply our understanding to everything we see in the cosmos — dispassionately and truthfully, without special rules or beliefs or magical powers. Think about it.
I hope not. I remember my first visit to the planetarium when I was in 7th grade. It fired my imagination. More to the point, it stimulated my interest in science — which is a good thing. More kids need to have that experience. Lately, however, as the state budgets fall, visits to planetariums and science centers get curtailed, which is not so good (and funny how you never see sports cut, or administration salaries reduced). To put it bluntly — the U.S.’s future lies in the hands of the kids whose educational services we’re curtailing to pay for misguided wars and financial bailouts. If we aren’t spending the money to educate children (and everyone, really) in science and math and reading and all the other things they will need to make their way in an increasingly technological world, they’ll lag students in other countries. And many of those students elsewhere ARE well educated and will go on to be the leaders in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). I think you can see where this could end up if the U.S. continues to drop the ball when it comes to science and math education.
So, it may seem like a little thing on which to start an educational revolution, but a visit to a planetarium/science center is a small step that pays off big time. It worked for me and for whole generations of kids who launched rockets, created rovers on Mars, fixed space telescopes, and continue to achieve great things in science and technology. It can continue to work for you and your kids. Find a way to make sure they get that — search out programs that bring kids to science and technology museums and planetariums. Those programs exist. Actually, I’m interested in knowing which places actually have active field trip programs so that all their students CAN visit a legitimate science center/planetarium at some point in their school careers. Feel free to write me with stories and suggestions about them, and I’ll try to post about them as I get time.
Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, CA -- one of the world's best-known public observatories.
For now, I want to tell you about a successful program in Southern California. It’s one that brings students from all over the Los Angeles area and surrounds. It’s called the Observatory School Field Trip Program, and is sponsored by the Friends of the Observatory (FOTO), of which Mark and I are proud members. It brings public astronomy to everyone, and in particular, the underserved populations of children and adults who wouldn’t normally be able to come to the observatory due to distance or economic issues.
The actual visit is 2.5 hours of programming and lectures that completely support science curriculum standards at the fifth-grade level. At that level, it’s sophisticated enough to bring in some very cool concepts and approachable enough to interest kids AND adults. Plus, the students and their teachers get to visit a very engaging institution that shows them the wonders of astronomy. It turns visitors into observers. (And yes, in the interests of full disclosure, I DID write Griffith’s exhibits.)
Science, astronomy, cool programs, a great view, and a seminal observatory experience — what’s not to like about FOTO’s program? And who knows, some budding space scientist may get her first exposure to science at Griffith and go on to lead a team on the first visit to Mars or build some absolutely essential piece of technology that will revolutionize our lives and create lots of jobs.
FOTO’s school visit program is one that needs funding to continue — and if you’re a member of FOTO (or, even if you’re not) — it’s well worth a few minutes of your time to tuck a check for $20 into an envelope and send it to FOTO (see the link above for contact info). Or, join FOTO and include an extra $20 when you sign up. You don’t have to live in LA to be a member of FOTO — heck, I’m on the East Coast, but I still send them my membership each year because I believe so much in what Griffith Observatory stands for and what it does for all its visitors. It’s the future we’re juggling with here, let’s fund it wisely.
