Abstract:
Every star in the night sky burns with mysteries we may never touch—except one. The Sun is both our life-giver and our laboratory, the only star we can study in exquisite detail. In this talk, I will show how solar cycles sculpt Earth’s climate, how the Sun’s vibrations let us “hear” its hidden heart, and how storms on its surface reach across space to touch our daily lives. By understanding our star, we understand stars everywhere and even glimpse the conditions that make planets habitable. The Sun is not only our nearest star—it is our cosmic teacher.
Biography:
Dr. Madhulika “Lika” Guhathakurta is a solar physicist, eclipse chaser, and scientific storyteller whose work explores how the Sun shapes our world — from auroras to AI. A pioneer in heliophysics and cross-disciplinary research, she blends science with poetic insight, helping others see the cosmos not just through data, but through wonder. Her talks and writings illuminate the Sun as a system, a question, and a cosmic companion.
Cake and coffee/tea is served from 12.00 to 12.15. The talk starts shortly after.