[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/clayton.jpg” caption=”Donald Clayton”]The atoms of our world did not always exist. They were created over a very long time span. The relative numbers of different chemical atoms are not the same from place to place nor from time to time in the universe.

Donald Clayton, Centennial professor of physics and astronomy, Clemson University, will explain the evidence supporting these conclusions in, “The Origin of the Atoms of our World” lecture on Nov. 4 at 8 p.m. in Togo Salmon Hall, Rm. 120.

Click here to view the poster.

The free lecture is one in a series of four that investigates the origins of life. The 2004/05 series began in September with Chris Stringer, Hooker Distinguished Visiting Professor from the Natural History Museum, London, UK, who spoke on “The Origin of Our Species, and was followed by former astronaut Marc Garneau in October, who spoke on “The Origins of the Universe.”

The next lecture will feature Lawrence Krauss, a professor from Case Western University, who will present, “An Atom from Hamilton  A Cosmic Odyssey” on Feb. 10 at 8 p.m. in the McMaster Centre for Learning & Discovery, Rm. 1305.

The Origins Institute is a newly created institute at McMaster University. Its scientific focus is to create and foster interdisciplinary research on origins themes across a broad range of fundamental science. It also sponsors a public outreach and lectures program, as well as an undergraduate Origins specialization.