Salon Research Series: "Darkness" led by Kelsey Johnson

Join us for "Darkness" presented by Kelsey Johnson, Professor of Astronomy.

 

Salons, hosted by CSC's CIRCL: Contemplative Innovation + Research Co-Lab, are monthly open dialogues on cutting-edge research related to contemplation and flourishing with UVA and local community members in the Contemplative Commons. Centered on a single word, these gatherings bring together scholars, scientists, and practitioners from diverse perspectives to exchange ideas, generate knowledge, and seek solutions to global challenges. Find more Salons here.

 

"I would love to stimulate a discussion on the value of darkness in human flourishing. In the modern world many people have come to think 'the more light the better,' which is amplified by a range of theological positions and mythologies. I would argue that experiencing darkness has an essential role. As an astronomer, darkness is a natural resource being eroded at an accelerating rate. I would like to invite the question, 'what do we lose when we lose darkness?' Darkness provides a space for introspection, creativity, and the cultivation of inner peace, allowing us space to connect with our thoughts and emotions without the distractions of light. In an increasingly illuminated world, reclaiming moments of darkness is essential for balance, renewal, and a deeper sense of harmony with natural rhythms."

 

I am a zealous science evangelist and a fervent advocate of cross-disciplinary collaboration and education, which can stretch us beyond our comfort zones into rich and unexplored intellectual landscapes. Learning is one of our most essential responsibilities, and the breadth and depth of our collective knowledge and understanding affects virtually every aspect of society and how we live and thrive within it. 

 

My work in the classroom is heavily influenced by embracing and promoting students’ sense of curiosity and wonder, which I argue is at the core of fostering life-long learners. My work as the founder of the award-winning “Dark Skies, Bright Kids” outreach program for elementary school students has strengthened my conviction that astronomy can serve as a powerful tool for rekindling a love of science in students who have pursued other disciplines. I am a champion for the importance of science literacy in modern society; our understanding of how science works and how to interpret scientific findings has consequences for issues ranging from the mundane to the profound.

 

I am currently the president of the American Astronomical Society, and my research spans galaxy evolution, with a focus on ancient star formation in the universe. I have served on numerous national and International committees that have to integrate the competing forces of scientific impact, financial resources, public understanding, and policy.