Monday, May 26, 2014

We Are Made of Stardust





Huff Post Science:

 NASA astronomer Dr. Michelle Thaller explains how the basic elements in our blood and bones connect us to one of the most violent acts in the universe—a supernova explosion—and what the universe might look like when all the stars die out.

Every single cell in our bodies contains elements created in the burning center of a collapsing star -- from the iron in our blood to every bit of calcium in our bones and keratin in our hair. That's because in the very early days of the universe that followed the Big Bang, only the simplest elements existed, like hydrogen.
"The only thing in the universe that can make a bigger atom is a star," Thaller says. "The entire periodic table, every element you've ever heard of, was processed inside the body of a star. And that star then unraveled or exploded, and here we are." Watch the video above to learn more.
As celebrated astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson said, (echoing Carl Sagan): if you feel insignificant given the immensity of the cosmos, you're not looking at it in the right way.
" We are not just figuratively, but literally made of stardust".
And that is no small thing.


Many thanks to my Junior NASA Scientists, Jonny and Chris


2 comments:

  1. Cubs Jonny and Chris10:04:00 AM

    Aunt Jeannie , I am learning so much . scientist Tyson is so smart and he visit us at Sci Port 3 times and he is so smart . I told him my daddy said to open my mind up and a lot of good stuff will fly into it . mr. Tyson said your daddy is a smart and wise man .
    Aunt Jeannie we will find more . we love you and sending you more stardust

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  2. Hi Jonny Chris and cubs
    I really liked this article and it is so true. It does make us feel like part of the stars. It makes us feel like we are part of something huge. You are so lucky you get to talk to real scientists. You keep those minds wide open, my cubs. You will be amazed at how much knowledge they can hold.
    I love you and am proud of you all. I like that stardust.
    Aunt Jeannie

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