Crab Nebula, a supernova remnant. Credit: Space Telescope Science Institute/NASA/ESA/J. Hester/A. Loll (Arizona State University)

Our Sun’s surface sizzling at 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Credit: NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory

Different colored stars undergo different life cycles. Credit: astronomytrek.com

Natalie Foster (Physics Graduate Program)

"Dust to dust: the life cycle of stars in our universe"

Astronomer Carl Sagan said, “We are made of star stuff.” Every living thing on this planet (and the universe!) is composed of the remains of stars that existed before the Earth was formed. Our own star, the Sun, continues to drive the processes that sustain us, such as photosynthesis in plants. Why is the Sun so hot? What happens when stars run out of fuel? When will the Sun reach the end of its life? Let’s discover the answers together!

Science Under the Stars is a free, monthly public outreach lecture series founded and organized by graduate students in the Department of Integrative Biology at The University of Texas at Austin. Events are held outdoors at Brackenridge Field Laboratory, 2907 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, Texas 78703. In the case of inclement weather, lectures are held indoors.

Here’s the schedule for this month’s event:

• 6:00 pm: Snacks, kids activities, and displays of local animals and plants found at Brackenridge Field Laboratory will be available.
• 6:15 pm-6:45 pm: Guided tour of the field lab (wear sturdy shoes and bring water)!
• 7:00 pm: Settle in, because the talk begins now!
• 7:45 pm: Q&A with the speaker.