By MC2 Victoria Ochoa

Dudley Knox Library and the NPS Department of Physics host an informal conversation on science and poetry featuring NPS Distinguished Professor of Physics Dr. Bill Colson, above middle, and renowned poet Peter Thabit Jones, above left, Aug. 31. The conversation, led by author Patricia Holt, above right, delved into how the very different fields of poetry and physics could be integrated.

“If we are to explore other places in the universe, why not have a poet onboard?” asked Jones. “Why not capture the literary truth of such a space exploration experience, as well as the scientific truth? … Imagine if a poet had gone to the moon with Armstrong, Aldrin and Collins.”

During the conversation, Colson and Jones discussed how poetry and physics are interconnected in ways that are not apparent at first, and how both fields can be merged to work in conjunction seamlessly.

“I have a proposal for the future to better connect our worlds,” said Colson. “Peter and I should work together to convey a physics concept through poetry; I will try to contribute accuracy and clarity, while Peter will give it beauty and deeper meaning.”

Both physicist and poet demonstrated their need to expand their horizons to better themselves, and their craft.

“To succeed, poets don’t need physics, and physicists don’t need poetry,” said Colson. “However, both can benefit from understanding the beauty of the other, and it is probably the individual who makes the effort to appreciate both that benefits the most.”

Colson offered an example in nature that could inspire both the physicist and poet within their respective fields.

“While laying on the beach at sunset, see the sun disappear just over the horizon, then stand up and you can see it disappear again 10 seconds later,” said Colson. “Using your height and this time difference, you can calculate the radius of the earth. This example captures some of my fascination and wonder of physics.”