Stardust and Stories: Why Asteroids Matter to Us All | Samir Dhurde | TEDxKIS Pune Youth
Sameer Dhurde, a science and astronomy communicator at IUCAA and creator of the SciPOP program, brings the cosmos closer to us through storytelling. In this engaging talk, he begins with a dinosaur figurine and a real meteorite fragment, unraveling how a giant asteroid impact wiped out the dinosaurs 65 million years ago—just one of 190 known impact sites on Earth. He takes us through India’s own Lonar Crater and Russia’s 2013 Chelyabinsk event, revealing the lurking threat asteroids pose. But beyond danger, Sameer emphasizes how asteroids are also treasures—remnants of the early solar system that offer insight into our cosmic origins. With humor and clarity, he explains how astronomers around the world are using cutting-edge telescopes and data tracking to monitor and study these space rocks, turning curiosity into planetary defense. His core message is clear: science isn’t just about facts—it’s about wonder, vigilance, and the thrill of discovery. Sameer Dhurde is an award-winning science and astronomy communicator and the driving force behind SciPOP, the popular outreach program at the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy & Astrophysics (IUCAA), Pune. Trained as a radio astronomer with a Master’s in Physics, Sameer has dedicated his career to making science education engaging and accessible. Over the past decade, he has contributed to several national and international advisory groups including ASI, TMT, LIGO-India, ISRO, and the IAU—designing impactful science outreach programs and educational resources. Recipient of the prestigious Zubin Kembhavi Award by the ASI, Sameer travels across India to ignite curiosity among children, support amateur astronomers, and share the wonders of the cosmos with diverse communities. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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