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This lecture explores why stars are fundamental to our existence and human development, from the atomic composition of our bodies to the measurement of time. Discover the profound connections between stellar observation and human history as theoretical physicist Roberto Trotta reveals how astronomy shaped civilization. Learn about stars' role in establishing human dominance over Neanderthals, their importance in navigation and timekeeping, and their influence on scientific revolution, astrology, and even modern artificial intelligence. Find out how the atoms in our bodies originated from stellar explosions billions of years ago, and contemplate what human society might have been like without the guidance of the stars. Recorded at The Royal Institution, this 55-minute talk illuminates the unexpected ways in which stars have made us who we are today.
