A Swashbucklin' Astrobiologist's Quest fer Life in th' Celestial Seas — 'n' Meanin' on Terra Firma!
2023-07-11
Arrr! In Life on Other Planets, Aomawa Shields be a-tellin' her tale o' seekin' treasure, or rather, habitable exoplanets. Aye, as a skilled actress and a rare Black lass in the realm o' astronomy, she be sailin' the cosmic seas!
In her entertaining and enlightening talk, "Life on Other Planets," Aomawa Shields regales the audience with her unique perspective on the search for habitable exoplanets.With a whimsical nod to the language of 17th-century pirates, Shields captivates her listeners from the very beginning. She humorously presents herself as a classically trained actress turned astronomer, instantly setting herself apart from the typical scientists in the field. As one of the few Black women in astronomy, Shields brings diversity and a fresh perspective to the table.
Shields takes the audience on a virtual journey through space as she explains the methods astronomers employ to detect potentially habitable exoplanets. With her infectious enthusiasm, she describes the use of telescopes and spectrographs, making complex scientific concepts accessible to all.
Throughout the talk, Shields maintains her pirate persona, referring to the search for habitable exoplanets as a "treasure hunt." She humorously likens herself to a pirate captain, eagerly seeking new worlds to conquer and explore.
But it's not all fun and games. Shields highlights the importance of her work and the potential implications of finding other habitable planets. She explains that discovering planets where life could exist expands our understanding of the universe and raises profound questions about our place in it.
Shields also addresses the lack of diversity in the field of astronomy. With her own experiences as a Black woman in a predominantly white and male profession, she encourages young people from all backgrounds to pursue their passions and challenge the status quo.
In conclusion, Aomawa Shields delivers a captivating and humorous talk on the search for habitable exoplanets. Through her pirate persona and unique perspective, she brings a fresh energy to the field of astronomy while shedding light on the need for diversity and inclusivity in the scientific community.