Living Light: The Art & Science of Bioluminescence (2012)

Date and Time

July 31, 2012
06:00PM - 06:00PM EDT

An evening of ideas and performance at Harvard University that highlighted the beauty and importance of bioluminescence, and addressed the critical need for ocean conservation

Featuring:
Sylvia Earle, Explorer-in-Residence, National Geographic; J. Woodland “Woody” Hastings, Paul C. Mangelsdorf, Professor of Natural Sciences, Harvard University; Aqua Borealis, a performance by Kristin McArdle Dance Company

Presentations:
Science: Prof. J. Woodland Hastings, a pioneer researcher in the world of bioluminescence and circadian biology, looked at how marine organisms like dinoflagellates, jellies, and bacteria produce biological light.

Art: KMD performed Aqua Borealis, a dance of traveling biolumes, rainbowed sculpture and liquid-light, inspired by deep-sea exploration and marine organisms that use light and movement to communicate in the ocean.

Passion: Dr. Sylvia Earle has led more than 60 ocean expeditions worldwide culminating in over 7,000 hours underwater. Named by Time Magazine as the first “Hero for the Planet," she received a TED award in 2009 and launched the Mission Blue Foundation, which aims to establish marine protected areas around the globe.