Conversations that Matter: Astronomy and Cosmology Part 2 with VJ

Astronomy and Cosmology Part 2: Exploring Origins, Evolution, and Destiny of the Universe

From the glow of our Sun to the faint light of the most distant galaxies, every observation carries a piece of the universe’s story. Astronomy and cosmology allow us to weave these pieces together into a grand narrative of origins, evolution, and destiny.

This talk will trace humanity’s quest to understand the cosmos—how we measure the heavens, decode the light of stars, and use cosmic “yardsticks” to span unimaginable distances. In Part 1 of this talk, we explored the first rungs of the cosmic distance ladder, revealing what we have learned about Earth, the Moon, and our solar system. Building on that foundation, we will briefly revisit those ideas and then journey farther outward: into the engines that power stars and shape galaxies, the evidence for an expanding universe born in a Big Bang, and the profound mysteries of dark matter and dark energy that continue to challenge our understanding. 

Along the way, we’ll see how experiments, technology, and human curiosity have opened windows onto the universe, revealing not only where we come from but also where the cosmos—and perhaps life itself—may be heading.

Presenter: Dr. Varghese 'VJ' John is an accomplished physicist and technologist with a deep commitment to scientific research. With a passion for education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), VJ has dedicated himself to teaching and inspiring a diverse range of individuals.