News

A Cosmic Duet

March 21, 2025

Eloise Rich ’26

The question of obsolescence—whether a technology, artwork, product, or idea remains relevant—is crucial to the work of artists and scientists. Obsolescence is relevant for myriad reasons. For one, we are often left wondering how much time we have left, with both our technology and life itself. At the same time, contemporary scientific and artistic developments are informed by previous trends.

A black-and-white scientific illustration of a large tree, possibly a sequoia, alongside three diagrams.

A Galaxy of Options

March 21, 2025

Dyani Sabin ’14

When astronomers assess the ages of galaxies, they look at the glow of the elements created by nuclear fusion. “Our hydrogen gas comes prebaked with the universe,” says Associate Professor of Physics Jillian Scudder. “Anything else has gone through a star, because the only way you get these heavier elements is if a star built them.”

A stylized scientific illustration of a binary star system, featuring labeled diagrams, contour lines, and celestial objects against a dark, starry background.

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