 "Photo: N/A")
Visitors had their eyes on the sky and their minds on science after leaving the OSU Alumni Center Friday evening.
The Friends of the OSU Library held its annual 2009 H. Louise and H.E. “Ed” Cobb Speaker Series on Friday evening to raise money for the library. This event is the primary fundraiser for the OSU Library and its proceeds directly benefit the library.
The Cobb series included a dinner and lecture by an author. Neil deGrasse Tyson, world famous astrophysicist, author and host of PBS’s “NOVA scienceNow” series, spoke at this year’s lecture.
Tyson is most famous for supporting and front running the demotion of Pluto from planet to dwarf planet. He explains the reasoning for, and cultural backlash of, this demotion in his book “The Pluto Files.”
But his lecture focused on scientific literacy and the importance of science and mathematics. He also talked on the cultural impact and acceptance of science and math in America.
Rebekah Wilson, an English major, agreed with Tyson on his view of science in America.
“I think (science) is more important than ever, but the focus definitely has (decreased),” Wilson said.
Tyson said scientists are honored worldwide with their portrait printed on money but not in the U.S.
“Not only does (Europe) put statesmen and politicians, they put scientists on their currency,” Tyson said.
Tyson said the only scientist recognized in U.S. currency is Benjamin Franklin and that is because he is a founding father.
The amount of scientific research and discovery in the U.S. has shrunk significantly from 1999 to 2009, Tyson said.
Peter Shull, associate professor of physics at OSU and director of the H. S. Mendenhall Observatory, said he can see the changes here at OSU, as well.
“You’re seeing more and more international students teaching our science classes here at the university,” Shull said.
Americans have a hard time recognizing the long- term impact that a lack of science and mathematics education will have on our society, Shull said.
Tyson wrapped up his lecture with his “cosmic perspective.”
He explained the magnitude of the universe and the large numbers astrophysicists must use to explain the cosmos.
He also showed how the compounds that make up all things on Earth are the same ones that make up even the most distant galaxies and everything else in the universe.
“Not only are we in the universe — so too is the universe in us,” Tyson said.
3 comments
Thanks!