NAA Monthly Meeting: The Connection Between the Periodic Table and Astronomy

The presentation explores the intimate relationship between astronomy and the Periodic Table, highlighting how our understanding of the Universe arises from the analysis of distant starlight—light emitted by atoms as they change energy states. It begins with an overview of the history of the Universe, tracing the origin of atoms and the forces that bind them together. The talk then explains how the electron shell structure responsible for light emission also organizes the elements within the Periodic Table. The role of spectroscopy is examined, revealing information about the composition of matter, its relative motion, and even the expansion of space itself. All of these insights stem from interpreting the atomic “fingerprints” found in light that atoms emit and absorb. The presentation concludes with examples from the speaker’s work on the Sloan Digital Sky Survey.

Larry Bartoszek
Larry Bartoszek is the founder of Bartoszek Engineering, a consulting firm specializing in mechanical design for nuclear and high energy physics research. He has collaborated with national laboratories, universities and governments around the world. His projects range from tabletop-scale instruments to a 120-ton, three-story-tall installation. A chronology of his work can be viewed at http://www.bartoszekeng.com/STEM/All_projects.pdf

Larry holds degrees in both Mechanical Engineering and Physics from the University of Illinois. He is a Licensed Professional Engineer in Illinois and a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the American Welding Society, ASM International, the Chicago Society for Space Studies and the National Space Society. He also serves as Vice President of the International Space Elevator Consortium and as a Space Ambassador for the National Space Society.

You may also like the following events from Naperville Astronomical Association:

• This month, 15th November, 07:30 pm, Free Public Stargazing: Naperville Riverwalk in Naperville
• Next month, 13th December, 07:30 pm, Free Public Stargazing: Naperville Riverwalk in Naperville
• Next month, 27th December, 07:30 pm, Free Public Stargazing: Naperville Riverwalk in Naperville

Also check out other Meetups in Naperville.