The Billion-Dollar Question: Is Curiosity a Practical Investment? | K M Shariatullah | TEDxSUST
We invest billions in looking up from the $10 Billion James Webb Space Telescope to a staggering $3.9 Billion
requested for NASA's 2026 science budget. Is this immense expenditure on the "ultimate fate of the universe"
truly worth it when we face so many earthly challenges?
This talk dives into the tension between pure scientific curiosity and its practical impact. Using the dramatic
cuts in NASA's proposed FY 2026 budget as a starting point, we explore the profound, unexpected benefits
that space science, including astronomy, has delivered like the invention of Wi-Fi by radio astronomers. From
the ancient link between stars and the naming of months like Boisakh to the groundbreaking work of
Copernicus, this is a compelling argument that the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake is, in fact, one of the
greatest leaps for humankind. Discover why "because the problem exists" is the only justification we need. ?? ????????????, ????????? ?????????? & ??????? ??????.Currently an Intern at the Center for Astronomy, Space Science and Astrophysics, Shariatullah has dedicated himself to exploring the mysteries of the universe. He is also the Founder and President of ট্যাকিয়ন – Tachyon, a platform built to foster scientific curiosity and research in astronomy. Previously, he served as the President of the Copernicus Astronomical Memorial of SUST (CAM-SUST), where he inspired countless students to look up at the stars with wonder and inquiry. 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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