What Starmus means to us

Six Starmus Festivals have now come and gone. I’ve been favored by attending all however the first, and I’ve skilled a few of my most particular moments in life at every of them. A confluence of science and music, Starmus (stars, music) has advanced into probably the most unbelievable celebration of science on the planet. Founders Garik Israelian, an excellent astronomer, and Brian Might, an excellent astronomer who can be fairly well-known for being the founding guitarist of Queen, have led us down a star-studded path.

Reminiscences of individuals and occasions that just about appear magical reside within the heads of Starmus attendees. From the Canary Islands to Norway to Switzerland to Armenia, dazzling talks, encounters with preeminent scientists and explorers, and unforgettable rock ‘n’ roll reside on.

Flashes come to thoughts. Neil Armstrong speaking about touchdown Apollo 11 on the Moon. The sharpest concepts of what occurs inside a black hole as defined by Kip Thorne. The scariest moments I had as a speaker, with Stephen Hawking and his coterie of nurses entrance and heart. Brian Might, Rick Wakeman, and mates blistering the world with phenomenal songs that compose the soundtrack of our lives.

There was standing in a nook, chatting with Peter Gabriel. Discussing the standing of the SETI program with Jill Tarter. Telling Alexei Leonov how a lot we appreciated his historic spacewalk. Listening to in regards to the affirmation of the Huge Bang from Robert Wilson. Consuming a multicourse dinner with Richard Dawkins, listening to him describe the biology of each course that arrived on our desk.

“The Starmus Competition modified my life.” I’ve heard many individuals say this to me, and in nice abundance from the younger volunteers, most just lately, in Armenia. In an period of darkness around the globe, of wars, the politics of greed and lust to carry onto energy, and an existence too typically pushed by self-centeredness, we want science and music to provide us hope for a greater future.

Starmus gives that. Simply ask Charlie Duke, who pours out unbridled enthusiasm for sharing his adventures exploring the lunar floor. Or John Mather, who delights in telling us what his mammoth James Webb Area Telescope will do to uncover mysteries of the cosmos. Or Emmanuelle Charpentier, who can describe what her CRISPR expertise will do to assist prolong lives. Or Chris Hadfield, who delivers an inspiring “Area Oddity” in tribute to each his exploration of space and to our previous pal David Bowie. In sum, one other Starmus pal and performer, Hans Zimmer, merely mentioned, “Neglect the Oscars — Starmus is the place to be!”

One evening late in Zurich, I rolled again into the resort with an meeting of mates. We sat down and encountered Brian Eno, legendary musician, discussing issues with a bunch at a giant desk. Becoming a member of them, it was completely wonderful, after an hour, the depth and unbelievable dialog that ensued — politics, historical past, geography, space, drugs, the welfare of human beings and animals on our Earth. There was a lot extra occurring on this amazingly sharp Brian Eno’s thoughts than I’d have guessed.

Starmus has additionally created the Stephen Hawking Medal, in remembrance of our expensive departed colleague and board member, to acknowledge nice achievements in science communication. It has been as proud addition to the Starmus mission.

And so it’s with Starmus, which provides us a window to return collectively as individuals, discover the most effective that humanity can provide, and look towards a brighter future. By coming collectively as mates, we will make so many great discoveries. I sit up for sharing extra exciting Starmus news within the coming days.

David J. Eicher is Editor-in-Chief of Astronomy Journal, creator of 26 books on science and historical past, and a member of the Board of the Starmus Competition.