Speaker: Ben Sargent (STScI)

Perhaps the second most famous quote from Carl Sagan (after his  "billions" usage) is that we are made of stardust. Our planet Earth formed via accretion that began with nothing more than submicron-sized dust grains orbiting within a disk around the newborn Sun. Astronomers are now able to study the very first steps of planet formation by observing planetary systems coalescing around other stars. Infrared observations from Spitzer show evidence for processing and growth of dust grains, as well as point to the origins of this glassy dust in winds given off by old stars. Dr Sargent will discuss the scientific findings that trace our origins to its ultimate roots in the dust of stars.

The 2010 Public Lecture Series offers talks on a diverse selection of cosmic topics held the first Tuesday of every month in the STScI John N. Bahcall Auditorium. Admission is free and free parking is available in the lot across the street. Find information related to driving directions and relevant transportation resources on our Getting Here page. Further information and directions are available by calling 410-338-4700.

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