A Valentine from Space
M stars are red / Betelgeuse might go boom / it's too cold in Chicago / to leave my bedroom
Hey everyone!
Congratulations on making it halfway through February, I’m proud of you.
If you are a paid subscriber awaiting your issue of Perfect Pup, my instructional zine about hot dogs (what, you thought it was all space? People gotta eat), I will be sending them out shortly; I had to hold off until I can go to the post office in person because, I shit you not, someone stole the master key to all the postal boxes in Chicago.
Don’t Go, Betelgeuse
On this day, devoted to love but more specifically to propping up the greeting card and floral delivery industries (so cynical of me! you love to see it), I’m sharing this love letter I wrote to Betelgeuse, the big red star in the constellation of Orion that will one day supernova. As a lifelong city-dweller, I have always lived places where I can’t see many stars— but as an astronomer, I’ve also had the opportunity to visit places with very dark skies that seem absolutely encrusted with stars. In both situations, I like being able to pick out the bright constellations: in the city, they help me reconnect to the idea that we are on but one tiny rock in outer space, and in dark places, they serve as way of grounding myself, kind of like a landmark. Since Orion is one of the most visible constellations, and Betelgeuse one of the brightest stars, I’m very attached to it— so as exciting as a supernova would be, I feel kind of torn about losing Betelgeuse forever. You can read more in "Don’t Go, Betelgeuse” on Slate.com.
From Bystander to High-Stander
Our second zine of BlackLight 2020 is out! This issue is broadly about listening to Black people’s experiences, and stepping up to stop racial harassment when you see it. It's jam-packed with links to resources, and lots of questions to think about. This week, we also recorded our first group discussion about Issue #1: Numbers to Big to Manipulate, A Force Too Big to Ignore— as curators, we hope you will follow our lead and grab a couple friends to discuss the zines. If you can’t grab a friend, feel free to comment on our posts, and/or on the video when it’s out, and join the conversation that way. In the words of Angela Y. Davis, “In a racist society, it is not enough to be non-racist, we must be anti-racist”, so don’t just read and nod along— think about what part YOU can play in achieving a more equitable world.
Coming up
I’m very excited about all the wonderful things we have planned for Black History Month at the Adler Planetarium! Even though the month is half over, some of the best is yet to come:
2/17: Black Women in STEAM Panel
This event builds on a really awesome blog series written by the Adler’s Bianca Anderson, which has been running for a year this month. This coming Monday, we have two live panels starring some of these incredible women! It’s also an Illinois Resident Free Day, so bring your friends, bring your fam, and tell everyone!
2/20 Adler After Dark: A Night in the Afrofuture 2
Adler After Dark is our monthly 21 and up nighttime event— it’s a chance to come check out the planetarium and learn about space in a party atmosphere! This month’s Adler After Dark is our sequel to last year’s “A Night in the Afrofuture”— besides DJs and dancing, we have a panel of three incredible scientists who are also artists:
If you’re in Chicago, or planning a visit, come check out our Black History Month programming at the Adler Planetarium!