For the past few years astronomer Don Winget has been using the Z Machine, the world’s largest x-ray generator, to create white dwarf “star stuff” here on earth. When he put a photograph of the Z Machine up on the projector, in his Astronomy 301 course, it inspired fine arts student Leah Flippen to begin a painting of the same name. In this video Winget and Flippen talk about the machine, the painting, and the interplay between science and art.
Sandia National Laboratories is considering buying the painting, to be hung right outside the actual machine.
Music: Johannes Brahms, String Sextet I Op. 18 B flat – “Andante ma moderato.” Live at the Ratner Museum, March 22, 2005. Sally McLain, violin, David Teie, cello, Carl Banner, piano. Washington Musica Viva. Creative Commons license. The OO-Ray, “Silhouettes.” Creative Commons license.
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Don, I am overwhelmed. Michelangelo must have had you in mind when he painted the picture in the Sistine Chapel in Rome. It depicts the finger of God imparting a bit of Himself to mankind. He has given you a glimps of a tiny bit of His awesome universe not previousley seen. "The heavens declare the glory of God" (Psalm 19)
THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS VIDEO. I am sharing it with all my friends who are Astro grad students, who are teachers/educators, and who are lovers of science.
Amazing!! Awesome!! 'The heavens declare the Glory of God'!! Thank-you for bringing it down to earth for us to experience.
I am awed at this connection of art and science! This is exactly our future vision for what we hope and plan to convey through the non-profit corporation of Southern Rockies Education Centers, Inc (2012) headquartered in Fort Davis, TX near McDonald Observatory. We are blessed to know Don personally. What a neat guy and I would love to meet Leah. Thanks for sharing your talents you two!