Yavapai County Free Library District: Star Talks – Animals and Astronomy
Since ancient times, the practice of Astronomy by humans is well known. In this talk, Dr.Pradhan will present astronomy in/for/from other animals, besides humans. She will discuss case studies of how some animals like dung-beetles use ‘astronomy’ in their everyday life. She will also touch upon the inspiration that astronomers obtain from the structural designs of some animals (e.g., lobsters) to build spacecrafts with greater observing efficiency. Furthermore, she will introduce the idea of how we humans can use astronomy for the benefit of other animals and foster an environment of mutual co-existence for the betterment of the planet.
Dr. Pragati Pradhan is an Asst. Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott. Prior to ERAU, Dr. Pradhan worked as a post-doctoral researcher at MIT and Penn State University. She obtained her Ph.D. from one of the ivy-league institutes in India, the Raman Research Institute. Her research expertise mainly focuses on the high energy emission from cosmic objects like neutron stars, analyzing X-ray emission from these exotic objects. In other words, she X-rays the Universe to unveil its extreme physics, in all its glory.
Star Talks are in partnership with Prescott Astronomy Club and presented with funding from the Friends of the Prescott Public Library.
- Audience Adult
- Genre Space & Astronomy
- Type Exhibit/Presentation
