Talks and shows

How stars built our world - LIVESTREAM ADDED

Discover how stars underly everything we are and do, from the genes in our bodies to measuring time.

We are made of stardust. The atoms in our bodies were produced by stellar explosions that occurred billions of years ago. But the stars haven't just given us life; observing the sky has guided Homo Sapiens since prehistoric times. Who would we be had our ancestors been fated to live on a planet without stars? Without their guidance, human society would have been unrecognisable. Astronomy was the midwife of all the sciences, precursor to the technology that today shapes every aspect of our lives.

Join theoretical physicist Roberto Trotta as he uncovers the unexpected connections between the sight of the heavens and human history. From the role of stars in establishing our supremacy over the Neanderthals to navigation. From measuring time to the achievements of the Scientific Revolution. From astrology to artificial intelligence, to discover that stars made us who we are in more ways than we ever suspected.

Copies of Roberto's book "Starborn: How the Stars Made Us - and Who We Would Be Without Them" will be available for purchase after the talk.

Event type

This is a theatre and livestream event for an adult audience, where the speakers and audience in our Theatre are joined by our audience online. 

By booking to attend events at the Royal Institution, you confirm that you have read and accept the Ri's event terms and conditions. You also agree to abide by our code of conduct, and help to create a great experience for yourself and your fellow participants. Please note that Eventbrite adds a small booking fee to the amount paid for each ticket option.

For any queries regarding this event please get in touch by phone 020 7409 2992 or email events@ri.ac.uk.

About the Speaker - DUPLICATE AND REMOVE

Image of Roberto Trotta
Roberto Trotta

Roberto Trotta is Professor of Theoretical Physics at the International School for Advanced Study in Trieste, Italy, and a visiting professor of astrostatistics at Imperial College London. The award-winning author of The Edge of the Sky, he lives under dark skies near Trieste.

Timing

Doors to the theatre will open at 6.45pm and the talk will begin at 7.00pm.

Timing for the livestream

The livestream will go live at 6.55pm and the introduction will begin at 7.00pm. If you register but miss the livestream, the video will be available to you via the same link for two weeks after the event date.

Accessibility

The event will take place on the first floor and there is step-free access from the street via lift.

The closest underground station is Green Park, which is step-free.

There is space at floor level in the theatre for wheelchair users.

Seating is usually unreserved for our events. If you and your group require seating reservations, please do let us know by emailing us at events@ri.ac.uk, and we’ll be more than happy to help.

Carers can receive a free ticket to an event by emailing events@ri.ac.uk.

Our theatre is equipped with an Audio Induction Loop. 

Event terms and conditions

The Royal Institution is part of the Amazon Affiliate Programme, and book links on this page may be affiliate links.

It won't cost you any extra, but as an Amazon Affiliate, the Ri will earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

All proceeds from our affiliate links help support the charitable work of the Ri.

Are you a patron of the Ri?

As a patron you are offered a number of complimentary tickets, please get in touch with your patron manager to discuss this.