Conference Agenda

At its most fundamental level, the universe appears to have four forces: gravitation, electromagnetism, and the strong and weak nuclear forces. While each of these have connections to Earth science, the photons associated with the electromagnetic force power global primary production, protect us from cosmic radiation, and keep the Earth from collapsing. This talk brings together concepts from astronomy, biology, Earth system science, and physics to tell a story of the lives (and deaths) of photons: from the center of stars, through the vast void of space, and eventually to the center of the Earth. As we figuratively travel from one version of hell to another, each of the four fundamental forces will make an appearance as I present the hidden roles that photons play backstage in order to make life possible on the surface of our planet.