COLLEGE OF STATEN ISLAND–The CSI Astrophysical Observatory finds itself open to the public once more. After recovering from the pandemic, the astronomy department seeks to open every consecutive Thursday, if weather permits.
Astronomy professors at CSI emphasize that the observatory is more than just a chance to view celestial objects—it is a tool for bettering not only our understanding of the cosmos, but intellectual development in general. Professor Charles Liu, head of the department, has worked to make the observatory a resource for hands-on learning. His goal extends beyond the stars, aiming to equip students with skills to navigate an increasingly automated world.
“In the coming years, AI is inevitably going to take the place of many people’s jobs,” said Liu. “But I don’t portray AI as the enemy, it’s a tool. To make it in the modern-day workforce, you’ll have to be better than AI!”
Liu elaborated that artificial intelligence can generate information, but it cannot replace direct experience. The observatory, he explained, provides a space for students to conduct their own research rather than rely on secondhand data, or even forged data that popular AI platforms such as Chat GPT, and Perplexity AI often do. Engaging with scientific inquiry firsthand, he argues, is essential to developing critical thinking skills that AI cannot replicate.
The observatory provides opportunities for students and visitors to observe astronomical phenomena and discuss broader scientific concerns. Professor Kevin Lane, another astute professor in the department, views the observatory as a way to connect space exploration with Earth-bound issues.
