MTSU to host final Star Party of season on May 1

Middle Tennessee State University Physics and Astronomy Department lecturer Irina Perevalova is shifting the conversation from distant galaxies to a growing issue much closer to home at the final First Friday Star Party of the semester.

Perevalova will present “AI vs. People: Battle for Energy” during the event, which begins at 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 1, in Wiser-Patten Science Hall Room 102. The talk will explore the increasing demand for electricity in a rapidly evolving digital world driven by artificial intelligence.

According to Perevalova, modern society is facing a significant “energy hunger” as technology continues to expand. Her presentation will provide an overview of how electricity is currently generated and examine potential solutions for meeting future demand.

Central to the discussion is a concept first introduced by Albert Einstein, which highlights the relationship between energy and matter. His well-known equation, E = mc², demonstrates how even a small amount of mass can be converted into a tremendous amount of energy. This principle not only powers the sun but also forms the foundation of nuclear energy here on Earth.

The lecture will include a brief overview of major energy sources before focusing more closely on nuclear power, an area gaining renewed attention as industries seek reliable and low-carbon energy solutions. Perevalova noted that many in the industry are turning toward nuclear energy as a way to support the growing power needs of data centers.

While nuclear energy offers the advantage of producing large amounts of consistent power, it also raises important considerations related to safety and long-term sustainability.

First Friday Star Parties are held during the fall and spring semesters and feature a faculty presentation on an astronomy-related topic followed by telescope viewing at the nearby MTSU Observatory, weather permitting.

The event is free and open to the public. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early and come prepared with curiosity about both the universe and the challenges facing our world. After-hours parking is free, and attendees can access a campus parking map online.

This month’s topic was selected based on a request from a Star Party attendee. Those interested in suggesting future topics or learning more about upcoming events can visit the university’s observatory website. More information about the Physics and Astronomy Department is also available online.