Astrophysics | A Physical Embodiment
Live Dance Performances
LUNAR LOFT
Description: This piece exhibits the softness and beauty that exists in the intimate duet between the Moon and Earth. Exuding comfort in the consistent and quiet relationship of the two, this piece focuses on lightness and the power of nuance. Inspired by Dr. Xu Wang’s research and theory of the lunar lofting phenomena, as well as the work of Dr. Margaret Landis, this piece follows the journey of a dancing dust particle beginning at the Gruithuisen Domes.
Lunar Loft showcases a live violin performance by LASP planetary geologist, Dr. Margaret Landis, and a visual projection of the lunar lofting phenomena theory imaged in the lab by Dr. Xu Wang. Choreographed based off of lunar geologic features, terrain slopes, and trajectories of dust particles.
Dancer and Choreographer: Alexandra Lockhart
Original music composition: ‘Lunar Loft’ by Nathan Wheeler
Violinist: Dr. Margaret Landis
Projection by: Dr. Xu Wang
*Featuring copper rings from IMPACT dust lab, used to seal vacuum chambers.
Special ‘Thank you’ to Dr. Xu Wang, Dr. Margaret Landis, John Fontanese, and Dr. Mihály Horányi.
A film by: Alexandra Lockhart | Dancer, Choreographer
Description: An ode to space dust and the unique people who dedicate such passion and sensitivity to understanding the beholder of deep time and knowledge of the universe. Inspired by the truth that even within finely tuned engineered perfection, unknowns can appear in between. In this lab of extreme precision and systematic measurement, the human ability to adapt to chaos, implement ‘sanity checks’, problem solve, and utilize the sense of sound is celebrated.
Choreographed by following directions of the gas transfer process for the Pelletron accelerator as it preps to launch single dust particles at 100km/s to puff into plasma plumes.
For the dust whisperer.
Music composition: ‘Indigo Nocturne’ by Michael Wall
Special ‘Thank you’ to John Fontanese | PRA Instrument Engineering/NPL laboratory manager
DUST WHIPSERS
Special ‘Thank you’ to Dr. David Brain, Sky Shaver, Willow Reed, Amy Campion, Dr. Frank Eparvier, Tom Sparn, and the entirety of LASP.