People vs. AI? MTSU to discuss at final First Friday Star Party
Residents curious about the growing energy demands of artificial intelligence are invited to the final First Friday Star Party of the semester at Middle Tennessee State University.
The free event begins at 6:30 p.m. May 1 in Room 102 of Wiser-Patten Science Hall, according to a community announcement.
Irina Perevalova, a lecturer in MTSU's physics and astronomy department, will present "AI vs. People: Battle for Energy," exploring how the rise of AI is driving increased electricity consumption and what that means for the future of energy production.
AI's impact on energy demand
“There is a growing demand for electricity in an increasingly digital world fueled by artificial intelligence, or AI,” Perevalova said in the announcement.
Her talk will provide an overview of current energy generation methods and discuss potential solutions to meet rising demands. At the center of the conversation is Albert Einstein's famous equation, E = mc², which explains the relationship between energy and matter—a principle that underpins both solar and nuclear power.
Perevalova will highlight nuclear energy as a key player in the search for reliable, low-carbon power sources.
“Industry seems to be moving in the direction of nuclear energy to power these data centers,” she said.
While nuclear energy can produce large amounts of continuous power, it also raises questions about safety and long-term sustainability.
Event includes telescope viewing
Held each fall and spring semester, the First Friday Star Party series features faculty presentations on astronomy-related topics, followed by telescope viewing at the nearby MTSU Observatory, weather permitting.
The event is open to the public, and attendees are encouraged to arrive early. Free after-hours parking is available, and a campus parking map can be found at bit.ly/2026parkingmap .
This month's topic was requested by a Star Party patron. Suggestions for future topics can be submitted at mtsu.edu/observatory/star_parties. More information about the Physics and Astronomy Department is available at physics.mtsu.edu.
This story was created by reporter Jay Powell, jpowell@c-dh.net , with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process.
This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: MTSU to talk AI, energy during last First Friday Star Party of season
