Hi, in thinking about the conversations of the last month I’ve been struck by the many interesting ways of connecting and seeing science and art together. In windows around the world one thing I’m always struck with is light and in one of Jane’s last posting she had a number of photos of light on winter days. light is a powerful part of the arctic as at certain times of the year the sun is not up and othertimes it’s always up. light is also a powerful aspect of art.

Another recent conversation struck me and that deals with kids and science and parents and science. I started Windows Around the World so that I could virtually bring children with me or to other parts of the world and to let them see what it looks like and in places and talk with people that live there. As an oceanographer, one thing I have been very grateful about is how much I have gotten to travel and see the world. As a parent this has been extremely hard as it constantly divides us. I think science needs to become more inclusive and less exclusive both with regards to the public and to families. Whenever I have brought my children with me on a trip I find that I end of seeing and exploring something I never would have without them as they are bringing “new eyes” to the field. By this I means eyes that aren’t use to an area and eyes that aren’t blinded by “knowledge” or a work plan.

Climate commons has brought together people and discussions to find common grounds but I have found the most thought provoking things in uncommon ground. I like this conversation as it has brought so much diversity to the talk about climate change and the Arctic.

The attached images show light in the arctic throughout the year.

-- JuanitaUrbanRich