The day started with a lecture about shape and its importance in science and art. For example, shape in science is important in that it determines the properties of atoms and in opals the color, orientation, and diffraction. In art, shape shows the artists point of view and creativeness. Shape can even be seen in the art forms of music and dance, which I had never really thought about having shape until today. These made me wonder what other aspects of life are greatly affected by shape. I found it very interesting that the shape of an atom is like the shape of the solar system. The electrons and electron clouds focus and move around the nucleus just as the planets orbit the sun. 
But is this a coincidence or a parallel about the world around us and the structure of life? I thought about this question after the lecture and have come to believe that it’s not a coincidence but somehow is a clue into the interworking parts of the universe.
The plasma lab I saw today was amazing. I was astounded that the people in the lab build the machines used to make and study the plasma. The LArge Plasma Device (LAPD) was incredible. The maximum plasma column length is 18 meters. Looking in the window to see the plasma was an eye opener, it was a bright orange light. An almost purple light would flash from the windows at all times. I found it amazing how much power it takes to run the machine and how much heat is needed to make the plasma. With this machine they can heat plasma at a higher temperature than the sun.
