Moments of DiscoveryMoments of Discovery

Forging connections between the Forging connections between the humanities and the scienceshumanities and the sciences

Discovery Moments in TimeDiscovery Moments in Time

Usually occur accidentallyUsually occur accidentally Often is a first response to new instrumentation Often is a first response to new instrumentation

or new forms of thinking or new kinds of cultural or new forms of thinking or new kinds of cultural interchangeinterchange

May often be ignored depending on cultural biasMay often be ignored depending on cultural bias

The value of UniversitiesThe value of Universities

Provides a safe haven for discovery (both Provides a safe haven for discovery (both personal and intellectual)personal and intellectual)

Instills critical thinking in terms of conflicts Instills critical thinking in terms of conflicts between discovery, comfort zones, and between discovery, comfort zones, and potential paradigm shiftspotential paradigm shifts

Helps students appreciate the intrinsic Helps students appreciate the intrinsic value of research and asking questionsvalue of research and asking questions

How the Universe HelpsHow the Universe Helps

It’s a big place, with much to discoverIt’s a big place, with much to discover People think about it in scientific, People think about it in scientific,

philosophical and artistic termsphilosophical and artistic terms It is your ultimate environment – life is It is your ultimate environment – life is

made from star dustmade from star dust It reminds us of the great unknown and It reminds us of the great unknown and

may help to humble us during our more may help to humble us during our more arrogant moments arrogant moments

The Origin of Life on Earth?The Origin of Life on Earth?

A Tenth Planet?A Tenth Planet?

The Biggest Galaxy Ever?The Biggest Galaxy Ever?

Dynamically Improbable GalaxiesDynamically Improbable Galaxies

STAR DUSTSTAR DUST

Conceptual Revolutions?

A framework to link science and the humanities:

How do intellectual breakthroughs occur? Do they just happen accidentally? How does time, place and culture influence their

development? How is the knowledge/idea transmitted? What is the form of the narrative of the

discovery? What happens if no one composes a narrative?

Pine Mountain, Astronomy and SciencePine Mountain, Astronomy and Science

• Provides a place to come and contemplate ideas that may be normally hidden in your mind

• Provides a significant opportunity for public outreach and education. Visitors do ask questions!

• Educational Mission is to enhance science literacy among the lay public and to improve the way that science is taught in the K12 classroom

• Wide field Digital Camera on the 32-inch telescope offers opportunity for discovery of new objects in the Universe